4 10 13078 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/7e15efe0f92ea627feb93eb5d43624cd.pdf 0eacfa8910e6538fde8110dc414c3b46 PDF Text Text ������������ Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thunder Bay Finnish Canadian Historical Society Collection Subject The topic of the resource Finnish-Canadians Life in Thunder Bay Description An account of the resource Photographs collected by the Thunder Bay Finnish Canadian Historical Society from a wide range of collectors, documenting Finnish immigration to and life in Thunder Bay. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Thunder Bay Finnish Canadian Historical Society Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Lakehead University Library Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Origins of the Canadian Finnish Labor Movement Subject The topic of the resource Politics Description An account of the resource The Origins of the Canadian Finnish Labor Movement Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ahti Ilmari Tolvanen Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Bay Street Project Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Workers Publishing Company Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1970-09 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English (Translated from Finnish) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context (MG8, A, I, 2, 10, I1) GFI-0016 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Canada https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2659/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no1.pdf ba88dd41493ec94b63028068083f8734 PDF Text Text ���������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2659/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no1_2.pdf 015cded92b29195c84ec8dcc37d126ca PDF Text Text vfeACT-B elie ve Summer 1989 SUNTOON SS S'ON, I THINK VOUlRI: OLD ENOUGH To HEAR FACTS OF LIFE" The A IDS C ommittee of T hunder B ay NEWSLETTER VolIUssuel �I PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome, at last, to a new issue of support and in education outreach the ACT-B newsletter As a result of this new funding, happened around A lot has here in the the work being done by months since the last issue. A lot SergeTittley,our former Education of into Officer / Volunteer Coordinator, providing direct support for people will now be done by two people affected bu Linda our energy gone has gone AIDS, and we have through some massive Gambee, our Volunteer Coordinator/ Fundraiser, will be changes in the organization itself joined in September by After a period of planning and Education Coordinator. Thanks to reorganization, the agency is now the Trillium Foundation, we have poised also acquired a Plymouth Grand visible to become and much active more in the Voyager SE van been community. further a new The agency has bolstered by the addition of three contract staff people under a CEIC Section 25 CHANGES AT ACT-B grant. The appearance of this newsletter is a sign of the new vitality at I want to pay tribute as well to the ACT-B, and there are many other two factors involved as well Recently, Michael we have received confirmation of Korhonen After a year and half of funding sources, trying conditions, salaries have including the Ontario Ministry of been upgraded to reasonable levels Health and the Trillium Foundation and Lawrence has gone from part This funding has given us a solid to full time. I want to thank both of base to work on for the coming them for hanging in through the year, and will allow us to greatly lean times. expand thanks from our several services, both in original staff Sobota must and members, Lawrence One final note of go out to our �volunteers (and I include our board services we can provide, from of directors), are the support agency, and assistance, to help with dealing without whom our work would not with the maze of healthcare and be possible governmental agencies. backbone of who this I hope that you will groups, to direct stay with us as we move into a new season, as your help is now The second essential component of more necessary than ever. Thank our you all. prevention work is and We must focus efforts in areas THE FUTURE education our such as the gay community, native communities, youth, and IV drug users This is All of the changes i have outlined work we must do if we are to be above mean nothing if they do not true relate to the work that this agency community agency. to our mandate as a is here for As we move into this new phase of our existence, we This is an exciting and challenging have time for the AIDS Committee of new challenges and opportunities ahead of us. The need Thunder for persons vitality, and a great deal of work AIDS, their lovers, to do Let us join together now in a direct living with service to families, and friends, can only spirit Bay. of We have a dedication new and grow. We need to improve our cooperation, and do everything we outreach in this area, and make can in this struggle. everyone aware of the confidential HELP WANTED We need a few individuals on the Board of Directors. This would involve a commitment of several hours a month for meetings, a willingness to assist in fundraising and a desire to help ACT-B fulfill its mandate as a service organization. If you are interested, please contact David Belrose at 345-1516 ■ �5K Fun Run Saturday, October 21 at 10 am at Boulevard Lake With each $10 registration, each runner receives an AIDS Awareness Week T-shirt and a button. Call 345-1516 to register or pick up a form at your local sports shop. To all kids & teens from grades 5 to 13! You have an opportunity to participate in the annual AAW Poster Production Ask your teacher or principal for the contest rules in mid-September - Chosen posters will be on display during the AAW display at Intercity Mall. - Two of the best posters will be displayed at Mini Queens Park in Toronto as a part of World Aids Day, December 1, 1989. I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it! Would you like to draw a comic, a picture, cut out a cartoon, write a poem, tidbit or an article? Please feel free to contact the Editor at 345-1516. All ideas and submissions will be considered CALL NOW! Copy Deadline for the fall issue of ReACT-Believe is September 11, 1989 �TIDBITS... Its time to clean out all that old'stuff We’re looking for donations for our fall yard sale If you have articles to do nate pi ease cal 1 Li nda at 3 45 -1516 Just a reminder - Our office will be closed Monday, September 4. ACT-B now has an agency vehicle, through the generous assistance of the Trillium Foundation The van will be used for client transport assistance as well as travelling into the district for the Educational Outreach Program Did You know7 A marketer of condoms in Philadelphia got himself into trouble with the law. He started selling a line of condoms under the name Sergio Prevente The lawyers for the makers of Sergio Yalente clothes were not amused They protested and a US federal judge agreed with them. The ACT-B Staff Vicki Birch.................. Linda Gambee ........... Administrative Assistant Volunteer /Fundraising Coordinator Lawrence Korhonen ...... Office Manager Darcia Kohuska.............. Education Coordinator Donna Manson................ Project Coordinator Eileen Parker.................. Communications Coordinator Michael Sobota Executive Director ............ The ACT-B Board of Directors. David Belrose........... President Deb White..................... Vice-President Michael Chan.............. Treasurer Dr. Frederick R. Ball... Secretary Carl Gray.................. Director Betty Kruzick............... Director Karen Maki............... Director Chris Morden................. Director Marie J.K Portier ... Director Barbara Reid.................. Director �THE PLANS ARE UNDERWA Y> AIDS AWARENESS WEEK will be October 16-22, 1989 AIDS: OUR CHALLENGE is this year's theme for AAV. We'll be looking forward to some informative, touching and downright hilarious events. Here are some highlights. AAW Displays - Come and see 5K Fun Run ACT-B at Intercity Mall - To be held on Saturday, October 21 With registration, each runner receives an AAV T-shirt, a button and loads of fun1 Tree Planting Ceremony - A tree will be planted in memory of those who have died from AIDS and those who are living with AIDS Local dignitaries and community groups will be present. Dr. John Fernandes - He will be giving a noon-hour talk on Women & AIDS at the P.A G H. All hospital staff are welcome to attend Poster Production - All students, grades 5 to 13 are invited to participate in the AAV Poster Production Details are available through teachers and principals or by calling 345-1516 AAW Keynote Event - Noted AIDS speakers will be on hand at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. While you're there, see the AIDS Visual Display Candlelight Vigil - A silent walk will be taken Thursday, October 19 in memory of those who have died of AIDS. Healthy Sex Cabaret - Friday, October 20 - an evening of skits and entertainment. Refreshments and "condomints" will be served For more info call 345-1516 WARNING: Coarse language. Adult humour Veil keep you posted on AAW in our Fall issue of ReACT-Believe �FUNDRAISING -for Fundraising is an important event Orientation Week. at - for our newsletter ACT-B. events Funds raised are programs community what to the from Con College and L.U. enhances our - for the speakers bureau clients and - for our committees, Fundraising, It also bolsters our Education, AIDSupport plus many, many more on-going support fund for clients activities Ve are always looking for those who wish to give any amount of Friends and family members are time towards fundraising or sitting more than welcome to participate on the fundraising committee, (this Some of the above events do not committee is not only a working require you to have gone through committee but we have a lot of fun the Volunteer Training Program. as well). For all who have given your time Over the next few years we will to us at ACT-B - Thank You! be facing a major challenge to fulfill our fundraising commitment Hope you have had an enjoyable I know that we will be able to summer up to now and continue to achieve it with the help of our do so. excellent "appreci-mc" m this newsletter volunteers Your suggestions for fundraising ideas Look for details of our and hope to see you there andevents are greatly appreciated If you have an idea, please jot it VOLUNTEER TRAINING 89 down and mail it in, or pick up the Interested in phone and give me a call. ACT-B7 Friends members are Every idea is valuable! participate. VOL UNTEERS - HEL P WANTED is being volunteering and for family welcome to A volunteer program scheduled for early Due to an increase in Education and October Fundraising projects starting in volunteers and for those wanting a September, we require many more refresher. Please call 345-1516. for prospective volunteers: - for bingos - for AIDS Awareness Week Linda Gambee Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator �YOUARENOT Earlier this year the Canadian AIDS Society issued the first national standardized SAFER SEX GUIDELINES The guidelines have thrown 3 fresh spotlight on the whole matter of sex in our time Our agency supports the basic stance of the Guidelines: affirming sexuality and health. These twin affirmations are vital to how we respond to AIDS in our personal lives. As the understanding about AIDS in Thunder Bay increases, more individuals - particularly some gay men - are reacting with fear, numbness and even depression I've heard this response lrom 3 number of men who have said they are too afraid now to have 3ex Thi3 is an echo of Penelope Gilliat's line about relationships in Sunday Bloody Sunday that "there are times when nothing is better than something". Certainly, this is not 3ne3sy time for us to affirm sexuality 3nd health Given thi3 apprehensive atmosphere, embracing celibacy is a signal of a lack of will, of trying to find the short term, easy way out of responsible change Many of us have taken a long time to develop our sexuality 3nd become comfortable expressing it Gay men who 3re comfortable with themselves achieved this in an atmosphere of little support and no public dialogue Now our sexuality is being discussed practically everywhere And in that new. harsh spotlight, some men �ALONE are chosing to abandon their sexuality to the "safety" of celibacy That is a choice lraught with dangers to one de&ree or another Most adults 3re actively sexual Dampening the sexual drive by "shutting off the tap" may simply build up a backlog of pressure And when the pressure must naturally be released, it is likely to burst out in "out of practice" and unsafe ways The Canadian AIDS Society Safer Sex Guidelines 3re written to help us with these difficult choices If we choose to affirm our sexuality and our health we are bound to get involved in some areas of ri3k The Guidelines are an effective tool to guide us through the decisions about risk They are strongly framed in a context of positive sexuality They are 3imed 3t helping us regain a sense of power over this vital element in our lives, rather than being defeated by the notion of sex connected to disease connected to death ACT-B has begun professional inservice sessions to help others understand the Guidelines and give the information they contain as wide a distribution 33 possible. You are not alone. They 3nd we are here to help �ACT-B CALENDAR August IS Support Circle meeting, a peer support group for families, friends, lovers and others 7 30 pm August 26 Education Meeting & Barbeque 6:00 pm at Marilyn Salmi’s, 140 Glengarry Drive All interested persons are welcome August29 BINGO' 5 30 - 10 00, Diamond Bingo Hall August30 Support Circle meeting - 7 30 p m September 3 ACT-B Picnic All ACT-B Volunteers, Board members, members, staff, families and friends are invited to Evergreen Park at Boulevard Lake There will be lots of food, races, prizes and fun' Please R S V P Linda A.S.A.P September 5 Come and visit the ACT-B Info booth at L.U. Orientation Week and at Confederation College Orientation Week. See you there! September 13 Support Circle meeting - 7.30 p.m. September 26 BINGO1 5:30 - 10:00, Diamond Bingo Hall September 27 Support Circle meeting - 7 30 p m. October / / Board Meeting �VARDSALE1 Our annual ACT-B Yard Sale is coming soon. Check the Chronicle and your local cable channel for details in September. KESKUS BA2MR Look for the ACT-B table with bake sale items, bedroses and information TREATMENT UPDATE The latest treatment information is available at the ACT-B Resource Centre LI brary Here are a few highlights: Healing AIDS Naturally A very objective review of the alternative treatments for Al DS Treatment Update A monthly report published by AIDS ACTION NOW Psgchoimmunity and the Healing Process A Holistic Approach to Immunity & AIDS AIDS Treatment News The fact filled bi-weekly newsletter from John James, San Francisco, CA AIDS Update A regular column in XTRA* �BACKGROUND The seeds of growth for the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay were planted by a few local individuals who were concerned with thespred of the AIDS virus and the issues surround!nq this new and deadly health threat. 1986 The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay was born. In July, a representative attended the first meeting of what later became the Ontario AIDS Network. In November, the first public forum on AIDS was held at the Waverley Resource Library Also that year, two delegates from ACT-B attended the Second National Conference on AIDS in Toronto 1987 ACT-B was incorporated in October of 1987 and became a registered non-profit organization (Chanty # 0779330-11) The city’s first AIDS Awareness Week was launched in October of 1987, coordinated by ACT-B. In December, after application to the Ontario Ministry of Health, funding was received to hire staff, establish an office and phonelines Present Day ACT-B is now a growing organization consisting of a Board of Directors, Volunteers, members and seven staff members �The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay now provides a wide range of services■ speakers for educational presentations ■ a Resource Library ■ confidential one-on-one counselling ■ in-service sessions for professional groups ■ support groups for person with AIDS, friends, family, lovers and others ACT-B is a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society/La Societe Canadienne du 51 DA STAFF PROFILE We have been successful in acquiring three new staff through a C E.l C. Job Creation program, Section 25 They will be working on the following projects ■ AIDS Awareness Week ■ An expanded newsletter ■ Inventory and promotion of the Resource Library ■ New publications promoting Healthy Sex and AIDS Awareness I would like to introduce to you .. Vicki Birch, our Administrative Assistant, Donna Manson, the Project Coordinator, and Eileen Parker, the Communications Coordinator. Drop by the office some time and meet them �FIFTY WA YS TO USE A RUBBER The problem's all inside your head, I say to you, The answer's easy if you know just what to do. Just watch me once now then, and you can do it too There must be fifty ways to use a rubber, But there's onl y ONE way to put it on your lover Just push back the rim, Jim, Don't use your teeth, Keith, When you open the pack, Jack, Set the rubber free First you put in the gel, Mel, Not Vaseline, Gene, It'll eat right through, Lou, That just won't do. Put it on the head, Fred, Then you pinch the end, Friend, Roll it down slow, Joe, Now give it to me. Just after you've come, Chum, while it's still hard, Gerrard, Hold the rubber at the base, Ace Pull it out of me From an unknown source Thank You Slip it off your dick, Rick, And throw it away, Jay, Don't use it again, Ben, Now get close to me. So was that good for you7 That sure was good for me See I told you so, It came quite naturally. Kiss me once again, I'm sure you will agree, The night's still young, There's more to come, My safe sex lover But well have to use a brand new rubber Just push back the rim, Jim, Don't use your teeth, Keith, When you open the pack, Jack, Set the rubber free. First you put in the gel, Mel, Not Vaseline, Gene, It'll eat right through, Lou, That just won't do. Put it on the head, Fred, Then you pinch the end, Friend, Roll it down slow, Joe, Now give it to me Now give it to me �DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT AIDS? Call the AIDS INFORMATION PHONELINE at 345-SAFE. You don't have to give your name Confidentiality is guaranteed. Don't take a chancel Play it safe, call 345-7233. B o —*■ V—' o □ § [3] V *t5 ■r " For Your Information The ACT-B Resource Centre Library invites you to get the latest facts and erase myths about AIDS Through understanding we take a positive approach and realize that sexuality and health are possible and comptible Reading can heighten your awareness of this quickly spreading virus. Our reading material is up-dated weekly and you are welcome to help yourself Here are a few interesting titles The Quilt an ongoing project of sewn panels, each representing the life of some one who has died of AIDS And The Band Played On This book provides the foundation for one of the most important national debates of our time Borrowed Time A personal documentary that is a cry from the heart against this contemporary plague and against the intolerance that surrounds it Symptomology Profile A brochure from the Toronto PWA Foundation. Most people with HIV infection differ in signs and symptoms as they do lifestyles Each opportunistic infection, diagnosis and treatment is as individual as the person it is affecting. Books may bo borrowed for three weeks and videos are available for screening. Please call Vicki at the Resource Centre Library at 345-1516 �AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 2 No 1 - Summer 1989 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2660/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no2.pdf 89ecfe859e4ada41fa4d0edf86961286 PDF Text Text ��������������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2660/1989_reACT-Believe_vol2no2_2.pdf ac3cbd446fd952e32492e8e6263eb38e PDF Text Text i’eACT-B elie ve Fall 1989 The A IDS C ommittee of T hunder B ay NEWSLETTER Vol II, Issue II �DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT AIDS ? call the AIDS INFORMATION PHONELINE 345-SAFE CONFIDENTIALITY ■IS GUARANTEED YOU DON'T HAVE TO -GIVE YOUR NAME DON'T TAKE A CHANCE. PLAY IT SAFE. CALL 345-7233 TODAY WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON OUR MAILING LIST? CALL 3^5-1516 OR MAIL TO AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY P 0 BOX 3586 THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO P7B 6E2 �A w h Our AIDS----------AWARENESS WEEK---------- r e II u c & W C C k C' h ■ I I « n f c is a province-wide event coordinated by the Ontario AIDS Network and endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Health ACT-B, along with other local health and education agencies, is sponsoring AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay ----------- Keep reading for highlights of----------------------- AIDS Awareness Week events------------ ACT-B is in the midst of designing a new logo do the A professional artist will artwork, but WE NEED SOME IDEAS! Please call' 345-1516 0 �AIDS----------AWARENESS WEEK---------is a province-wide event coordinated by the Ontario AIDS Network and endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Health ACT-B, along with other local health and education agencies, is sponsoring AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay Keep reading for highlights of AIDS Awareness Week events ACT -B is in the midst of designing a new logo do the A professional artist will artwork, but WE NEED SOME IDEAS! Please call' 345-1516 0 �YOUARENOT ALONE by Michael Sobota Two events during AIDS Awareness Week serve as central pillars to what our work is all about, the Candlelight Vigil taking place on Thursday, October 19 and the Healthy Sex r^teretheld the following Saturday. October 21. CANDLELIGHT VIGIL This is the third candlelight vigil organized by ACT-B Each event has been a quiet, moving tribute to those who have left us because of AIDS. Each event has also been a quiet appreciation for the courage of those who continue to live and work with the disease. HEALTHY SEX CABARET Our Healthy Sex Cabaret pushes courage and humour onto the stage. This event is bawdy, coarse, sensitive and healthy It is AIDS Education that is celebratory - life beyond leaflets Expect the unexpected and be warned that there will be strong language and adult situations. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Each of these two events have a couple of things in common. Both will use music to help set and enrich the atmosphere Both are motivated by a sense of celebration for life. Both, if successful, are vehicles for emotional release: tears and laughter. We invite you to join in with us this year. Exercise your courage and humour. There is a whole crowd of people who welcome you to share your grief and your laughter You are not alone. �Tidbits... Do you own the pair of beige winter boots left in the ACT-S office’ Call 345-1516. ACT-B is expecting1 Communications Eileen, our waddling Coordinator is due November 20! Volunteer Opportunities are available at ACT-B Contact Linda Gambee, Volunteer Coordinator at 345-1516 We have a new core staff member Come in and meet Darcia Kohuska, our new Education Coordinator The 80 s Joke - A person loudly asks the store clerk, "Can 1 have a box of condoms the red ones - no, the red RIBBED ones", and then Whispers," and a pack of cigarettes Just a reminder - the ACT-B office will be closed Monday, October 9, Thanksgiving Day �THE CASE FOR EARLY INTERVENTION PART 1: REVISED ACT GUIDELINES The Federal Government has revised guidelines for the use of AZT [brand name Retrovir ] The essential elements of the revised guidelines are the following: ■ AZT can now be given to persons with early ARC [A IDS Related Complex land T4 cell counts of less than 500. and persons who are asymptomatic but with T4 cell counts of less than 500 ■ Eor persons with early ARC. the recommended daily dose is 1200 mg. For asyptomatic individuals, the recommended daily dose is 500 mg ■ All doses are subject to the judgement of the treating physician Many ill persons cannot tolerate the full 1200 mg daily dose. ■ AZT is availabale now through their physician to anyone who meet these criteria WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN? In simple language, it means that AZT. even at low doses, can slow the progression of HIV infection in people with moderately low helper cells who have few or no symptoms It can also be less toxic the earlier it is initiated �This approach to treatment with AZT is one element in a broader picture that suggests that people infected with AIDS virus can benefit from early treatment is THIS NEW? Some media reported on the AZT revised guidelines as though the revolution had happened AZT was even referred to as a "new AIDS drug" The fact is. AZT has been available for treatment in Canady under certain restrictions, since 1986 Eurther, the idea of early intervention in HIV infection is. as Denny Smith writes in Issue Number 86 of AIDS Treatment News." nearly as old as the epidemic, championed by many long term survivors with HIV. by many progressive physicians, and by persistant activism of Project Inform and ACT UP" [US. AIDS activist organizations] He goes on to write "The medical establishment has historically promoted early detection and treatment in other diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension But for years preceding these recent announcements people with HIV were dismissed with false pessimism in the media and inappropriate Eederal regulations, and told to wait" That history in the United States is a mirror of the Canadian response to early intervention MORE TO COME ... In an upcoming article, we will report other reasons for early intervention - including promising new treatment possibilities �How to Love Yourself Stop all criticism thing Criticism never changes a Refuse to criticize yourself exactly as you are Accept yourself Everybody changes. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive Don't scare yourself with your thoughts Stop terrorizing yourself It's a dreadful way to live Find a mental image that gives you pleasure (mine is yellow roses), and immediately switch your scared thought to a pleasurable thought. Be gentle,; kind and patient yourself. Be kind to yourself Be gentle with Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking. Treat yourself as you would someone you really love Be kind to your mind hating your own thoughts Self -hatred is only Don't hate yourself for having the thoughts Gently change your thoughts. Praise yourself inner spirit. Criticism breaks down the Praise builds it up much as you can Praise yourself as Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing Support yourself Find ways to support yourself Reach out to friends & allow them to help you. It is being strong to ask for help when you need it �Be loving to your negati ves Acknowledge that you created them to fulfill a need Now, you are finding new, positive ways to fulfill those needs So, lovingly release the old negative patterns Take care of your body Learn about nutrition What kind of fuel does your body need to have maximum energy and vitality’ Learn about exercise What kind of exercise can you enjoy’ Cherish and revere the temple in which you live Do mirror work Look into your eyes often Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself Forgive yourself Talk to your parents looking into the mirror Forgive them too At least once a day say, " I love you, I really love you!" Love yourself Do It Now Don't wait until you are pretty enough, strong enough, lose some weight, get a new wardrobe, or whatever Begin now, and do the best you can1 by Louise L Hay ��ness Week �A CT-B Calendar October 0 Volunteer Training October 3 Volunteer Training October 11 Support Circle Meeting October 18 Board Meeting Octobers BINGO! 6 30 - 10 00, Diamond Bingo Hall October & Support Circle Meeting October 87 ACT-B Executive Committee Meeting November 8 Support Circle Meeting November 13 Education Committee Meeting Novembers Annual General Meeting All are welcome Location is to be announced Phone 345-1516 for an update November 81 Fundraising Committee Meeting November 88 Support Circle Meeting November 88 BINGO* 6:30 - 10 00, Diamond Bingo Hall �December 6 Support Circle Meeting December 11 Education Committee Meeting December 19 Eundraising Committee Meeting Decembers Board Meeting December 26 BINGO! 6 30 - 10:00. Diamond Bingo Hall How Can I Participate? Hom I b^ficibafe^ If you would like to join a committee or sit in on a meeting to learn about ACT-B, please do! just give us a call at 345-151 6 and we'll tell you when and where. I Want To Help! I io HGlbj Respond to the challenge of AIDS by becoming a member of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay VOLUNTEERS $5.00 For those who wish to volunteer time and effort. BASIC MEMBERSHIP $10 00 SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP: $25 00 For more information call 34 5“ 1516 �AIDS Awareness Week Keynote Event Tuesday, October 17, 8 00 pm at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery Entertainment provided bv the L.U. Music Dept. Refreshments will be served See the AIDS Visual Displav Limited Seating Coffee & Talk with Ann Medina & Ronald Rogers Wednesday, October 16, 9:30 a m at the Lakehead University Agora Featured Speakers. Ronald Rogers Thunder Bay Person Living With AIDS (PLWA) "Living With AIDS" Ann Medina Broadcaster /journalist "AIDS & the Media" �TheACT-BStaff Vicki Birch______ _ Linda G&mbee____ Darcia Kohuska___ Lawrence Korhonen Donna Manson____ Eileen Parker_____ Michael Sobota___ ________ Administrative Assistant Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator ___________ Education Coordinator _______________Office Manager _____________ Project Coordinator ____ Communications Coordinator _____________ Executive Director The ACT-B Board ofDirectors David Belrose - President Michael Chan _ Treasurer Carl Gray______Director Karen Mato____ Director Mane J K Portier_Director Barbara Reid___ Director Deb White____ _ Vice-President Dr Frederick R Ball-Secretary Betty Kruzick________ Director Chris Morden________ Director Norma Proctor_______ Director Kelly Sherlock_______ Director StaffProfile Darcia Kohuska is our new Education Coordinator As head of ACT-B's Speaker's Bureau, she will coordinate educational presentations at many venues in the community She will also develop a regional outreach program bringing AIDS education to small communities m Northwestern Ontario monitoring and updating the AIDS Darcia will be Information Phonelme and Resource Centre Library, as well as developing educational materials for the community �t V You Volunteers! —— \ APPRECIATION ACT-B is proud of all the support given to one of our clients, by assisting his carepartner and family in making life easier for him This was a first for ACT-Bs volunteers for providing home care and hospital visitation so extensively. On behalf of ACT-B - a very warm ’Thank-You!' to all the volunteers who so graciously and selflessly spent time with him Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator �FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE \ MEETINdf St W Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 30 p m at the ACT-B office. Everyone is welcome NEW VOLUNTEERS f\ O^ntation is October 3 & 51 Applications are being accepted and interviews are being scheduled Volunteers are needed in several areas, especially the following: ■ Community events/ benefits ■ Newsletter ■ Computer ■ ■ Bookkeeping Office Work ■ Committees �5s. •s HEALTHY CABARET Saturday, October 21 8 00 p m Alfie's in the Ramada Inn $5 00 at the door Advance tickets available by calling 345-1516 or 625-5900 WARNING: Coarse Language Adult Humour A. �o PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE AIDS Awareness Week is the time when we refocus the community's attention on AIDS As AIDS has become more a part of our lives, there has been a natural tendency for people to try and ignore it. However, people are still at risk of infection and death. It is more important than ever to educate those who are at risk, and to prevent the spread of the disease We are gradually seeing more and more people who have been infected, becoming sick and in need of support. A DEAR FRIEND As I write this, a dear friend lies in hospital, close to death from complications due to AIDS. Helping someone move through the final debilitating stages of the disease brings home in sharp detail, the personal and human tragedy of AIDS All who are involved get caught up in the process, with immense emotional and physical demands placed on everyone. REMEMBER AIDS Awareness Week is a time for us to remember and honour those who have succumbed to the disease - to ensure that their suffering and deaths will not have been in vain The lessons we learn from those living with AIDS can give us the courage and compassion to live our lives fully, here and �THANK YOU THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF THUNDER BAY would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who sponsored our picnic to ensure its success. Also we would like to extend our thanks to the many volunteers who helped before, dur­ ing and after. A&A RECORDS & TAPES NORTHERN BREWERIES LTD. ASP NORTHWOOD ESSO OFFICE PRO A&W ' AL'S WONDERLAND OLD DUTCH FOODS LTD. BOSTON PIZZA PAINTED TURTLE BUNSMASTER PALM DAIRIES CANADA GAMES COMPLEX PARAMOUNT THEATRES LTD. GRAND & TOY LTD. PEGGY SUES FLOWER SHOP PETRIE'S CYCLE & SPORTS HELIUM HIGHS PIZZA DELIGHT HOBBY CRAFT CORNER KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN KRAZYKRAZY AUDIO VIDEO LAKEHEAD WHOLESALERS LTD. LIL'S HOBBY LOBBYLTD. PRIMARY COLOR LAB LTD. R.C. DISTRIBUTORS RED OAK INN ROCK-IT AIR WEAR MARIO'S BOWL SOOTER S PHOTO MARY BROWN S FRIED CHICKEN McCartney's PLAYTIME LANES jewellers ltd. MCDONALD’S RESTAURANTS MOLSON ONTARIO BREWERIES LTD. THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM THUNDER BAY PARKS & RECREATION WESTERN GROCERS AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P 0 Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 345-1516 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 2 No 2 - Fall 1989 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the Aids Committee of Thunder Bay. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Aids Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2661/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no1_[1989_v3n1].pdf e480fbc528d0bdf8d320e4d16f6a0bc5 PDF Text Text ������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2661/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no1_[1989_v3n1]_2.pdf d1bcad91a61edf90d7a92f9f5171df83 PDF Text Text Ur\ Ok I m r\ I —K /IC^ nVil U eheve The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Newsletter January /February 1959 Volume III, Issue I Educators! Posters for kids! See inside Condoms & Cars Staff & Board.................. "Hands On" AIDS Therapy The Case For Early Intervention . Questions from the Phoneline Tidbits Pg. Pg ?g Pg 1 2 3 4 Dry 4 -Dao Ss CAN Comes to T. Bay!... . Volunteer! Volunteer' ACT-B Calendar. Shared Life President's Message Pg 7 Pg 7 Pg 8 Pg 9 Pg 10 �1. Condoms and Cars Reprinted with permission from the AIDS Committee of Windsor It's become the leading cause of death in young people. It can be avoided completely only by abstaining. Yet few are willing to make that sacrifice and choose rather to live with the risk. Most efforts to contain this epidemic focus on reducing the danger to an acceptable level. Those words refer to traffic accidents. They are also familiar terms for describing the AIDS epidemic. There are those who argue that the only way to stop AIDS is to promote abstinence. No level of risk is acceptable. Ifthey were consistent in their logic they wouldalso be campaigning to ban the automobile Even with all the emphasis on seat belts, air bags, speed limits and drunk driving laws, the highways are hardly a risk free environment. The usual criticism of condoms is that their record as a birth control device is less than reassuring. An often quoted statistic is that over the course of a year about 10% of the heterosexual couples using condoms will v.oj'w. IVilVV ^ 1 V^J***M*V f Condoms are neither failsafe nor foolproof For the most part they don't work because people forget to use them or damage them through improper use And sometimes condoms are poorly manufactured. Why then do public health officials, health care workers and community AIDS organizations rely so heavily on condom promotion? The answer lies in the distinction between conception and infection One sperm cell, and only, one. is needed to fertilize an ovum. The reproductive process is designed to facilitate fertilization, with millions of sperm cells contained in every ejaculation of semen. On the other hand AIDSis a difficult disease to contract sexually. Viral infections must occur in sufficient number and frequency to overwhelm the immune response That threshold varies with the source of the infection and the health of the people involved. The levels of HIV in semen and vaginal fluids are lew and often can not be detected in r\orer»«"io Vv> nrrr** tn Ko * r, f - Over several years the risk is compounded. If the chances of geting AIDS are the same as having a baby abstaining starts to look very good indeed. j'W UWiiU lUlW VW l/V tiilVVtVM. Studies have shown that the sexual partners of people with HIV often remain uninfected over long periods of time despite repeated exposures through unprotected intercourse. In comparison the exchange of blood through sharing needles provides a far more efficient means of infection In order to break the epidemic ofsexually transmitted AIDS, condoms dent need to be 100% effective In fact even a leaking condom may sometimes be sufficient in keeping the amount of exposure below the threshold of infection. Realistically however, the goal is to make HIV infection an isolated event, not to eliminate all risk. So far this strategy appears to be working in the one segment of society that is taking safer sex seriously the gay community Rates of sexually transmitted disease and the incidence of HIV transmission have been reduced far beyond what was believed possible. And this has happened despite the large numbers already infected Abstention will always be an option. We can choose not to have sex or not to travel the highways. But most of us will continue to take chances •n ikit wUl vAl tvsi. iXioUvlAig, reasonable concessions to safety Jim Monk �r Christine Mather (just call me Chris) I am the new Support Services Coordinator at ACT-3 > my name is 2. ren Maki and Eileen Parker are now with us as Fundraising Coordinator and Communications/Outreach Coor­ dinator respectively Karen was a member of the ACT-B Board That's a Support Services Coordinator?" That's a good question, one for which we don't yet have a full answer Basically. I see my job of Directors She will coordinate and help plan as providing "psycho-social" support (O K I'll and implement the private fundraising of try and make that the last jargon I use) to ACT-B in conjunction with the Eundraising P V A s. their families, friends and other care This will include organizing Committee givers figuring out just what services should bingos, special events and making foundation be developed to deliver that support is the first and corporate approaches. task the Support Services Committee Eileen has been with us previously, and I face. Of course, we 11 be reviewing what since July, on a CEIC Section 25 job creation has been done in other communities, but we'd program. She will be continuing her work in like to begin by hosting an organizational/ commumcations;producmg posters, pamphlets, brainstormiong meeting for anyone our newsletter and working with the media concerned about AIDS We can anticipate that and will also be coordinating our Northwestern from this meeting will come ideas, direction Ontario Outreach Program and guidance - so start thinking Ve il be advertising and explaining this meeting more thouroughly closer to the event e miss Donna and Vicki That's a description of my position now for I am an some information about me already! immigrant from England and have been in Donna was our Project Coordinator and Vicki Thunder Bay for 13 years Eor the last eight was our Administrative Assistant on a CEIC years I have been a Social Worker and have Section 25 job creation program. worked in several local agencies. I very much Each with her own special brand of humour enjoy living in Canada and especially like and unique insight, they brightened up the getting out into the bush. If there's any kind of assistance I can offer i office and our lives Donna has moved on to another job and Vicki is enjoying the Florida you or those you care about, from counselling to negotiating with government agencies, feel winter. We miss them! free to give me a call or drop in at the office In our next newsletter will be a column ACT-B Board of Directors from me about stress and stress management techniques. David Belrose President Deb White Vice-President Chris Mather H.B.S.W Norma Proctor Treasurer ACT-B Staff Terry Bryant..................... Secretary George Arnold Director Linda Gambee VolunteerCoordinator Rick Atkinson......................................... Director Darcia Kohuska EducationCoordinator Michael Chan Director Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Carl Gray..................................................Director Karen Maki FundraisingCoordinator Betty Kruzick Director Chris Mather Support Services Coordinator John McDonald ....................................Director Eileen Parker Communications Coordinator Jeanette Munshaw..................................Director Michael Sobota.....................Executive Director Barbara Reid........................................... Director �r Christine Mather, i (just cal! me Chris) I am the new Support | Services Coordinator at ACT-B > my name is 2. ren Maki and Eileen Parker are now with us as Fundraising Coordinator and Communications/Outreach Coor­ dinator respectively Karen was a member of the ACT-B Board 'What's a Support Services Coordinator?" That's a good question one for which we don't yet have a full answer Basically. I see my job of Directors She will coordinate and help plan as providing "psycho-social” support (O K I'll and implement the private fundraising of try and make that the last jargon I use) to ACT-B in conjunction with the Eundraising P W A s. their families, friends and other care This will include organizing Committee givers figuring out just what services should bingos, special events and making foundation be developed to deliver that support is the first and corporate approaches. task the Support Services Committee Eileen has been with us previously, and I face. Of course, we 11 be reviewing what since July, on a CEIC Section 25 job creation has been done in other communities, but we'd program. She will be continuing her work in like to begin by hosting an organizational/ communications;producing posters, pamphlets, brainstormiong meeting for anyone our newsletter and working with the media concerned about AIDS. We can anticipate that and will also be coordinating our Northwestern from this meeting will come ideas, direction Ontario Outreach Program and guidance - so start thinking We ll be advertising and explaining this meeting more thouroughly closer to the event e miss Donna and Vicki That's a description of my position now for I am an some information about me already! immigrant from England and have been in Donna was our Project Coordinator and Vicki Thunder Bay for 13 years Eor the last eight was our Administrative Assistant on a CEIC years I have been a Social Worker and have Section 25 job creation program. worked in several local agencies. I very much Each with her own special brand of humour enjoy living in Canada and especially like and unique insight, they brightened up the getting out into the bush. If there's any kind of assistance I can offer i office and our lives Donna has moved on to another job and Vicki is enjoying the Florida you or those you care about, from counselling to negotiating with government agencies, feel winter. We miss them! free to give me a call or drop in at the office In our next newsletter will be a column ACT-B Board of Directors from me about stress and stress management techniques. David Belrose........................................ President Deb White Vice-President Chris Mather H.B.S.W Norma Proctor Treasurer ACT-B Staff Terry Bryant........................................ Secretary George Arnold......................................... Director Linda Gambee VolunteerCoordinator Rick Atkinson ....................................... Director Darcia Kohuska EducationCoordinator Michael Chan Director Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Carl Gray ............................................ Director Karen Maki FundraisingCoordinator Betty Kruzick Director Chris Mather Support Services Coordinator John McDonald........................................Director Eileen Parker Communications Coordinator Jeanette Munshaw..................................Director Michael Sobota . Executive Director Barbara Reid........................................... Director �3. Massage & the Acquired Immune Deficiency by William ¥. Roberts It was not easy to begin massage work with PW A.s. I found no resistance in myself, especially after checking nth others who were already working in this area. However some friends were not happy nth the idea This led to some heated discussions (!) and a procedure that seemed to satisfy everyone involved Everyone is involved. Let me put out some of my experience and I hope, some useful ideas I'll make two things clear at the beginning. Massage is a laying on of hands, a caring person taking care of another. This, in itself, is a healing process at least as old as the Bible and certainly something that everyone can do. The second point is that there is no need to adjust the approach of massage for a person with AIDS or other related dis-eases There are special situations to be aware of, however you must be aware of any one’s special circumstances before and as you work on them And you must decide to work. It also seems important for any massaging person to not take on the dis-ease of a person they are working on To do so. I find, drains energy, gives headaches and ends further sessions. I prefer to iook at the massage person as a conduit or channel for anv healing process that is at work, and an unplugged drain for tensions to pass off and thru. Leaving no residual This means I must clear my head. I found that washing before a session, burning cedar with a window cracked to clear the working space, shaking the hands off when they feel heavy, taking breaks when needed (by both people!), a glass of good water and a light heart worked quite well for myself At times I use music, however 111 mention that later Relax! EorthePV A there are some other aspects I feel are important Nervousness1 Yours at least, and this may be the first time this person receives a massage. Check this out with any person you work on. and give some careful thought to the fear that may be in someone who is quite possibly facing their death. In the case of Karposis Sarcoma, there may be darkened areas of skin (like bruises) or open lesions I exercise the same caution as I would around bruises and wounds Very gently over the bruise and leave the wound alone The hands can be passed over the areas, without touching, with probably the same effect The care is more important than the actual contact. Joints may be quite stiff Gentle manipulation using the comfortable range of motion. I let the person tell me if something hurts My aim is relaxation and normalization of body functions. Many, if not most relaxation tapes are just plain dumb and a waste of money! Listen before you buy. The most useful ones I’ve found are simply sounds oceans/crickets/frogs/birds and music that is not climactic Stuff that moves easily (and maybe exoticallyor eccentrically) as you would like the body to move There is a lot to talk about here and maybe I can go into another article I don t want to leave without mentioning two possibly important items Tickling Not a lot! and not at the end! (Check out the situation with the person first) And iust holding the head with both hands and allowing the complete relaxation.* Sometimes a deep sigh will indicate the release, and other times a snoring sound* That’s all for now. please feel free to contact me. * Emotional Stress Release points on the head, check out a Touch for Health book or a Naturopath. William Roberts is a long standing volunteer vith ACT-B. He is a trained Touch For Health practitioner, a masseur, a teacher of T'ai-Chi and plants trees. For more information an the healing properties of massage, stop by the ACT-B Resource Centre Library at 285 Bay St. �The Case For Early Intervention PART l TYPES OF INTERVENTION Sc ATTITUDE TtV>o UiW A 4 A W N rsqft nf flntc % VA \AAiO series, we reported the Federal Government's revised guidelines for the use of AZT As mere has become known about this drug and how to appropriately administer it. AZT has shown itself to be an effective way to slow the replication of HIV in many infected individuals Eor others. aZT may not be effective or appropriate. 5hould you use AZT if you are HIV +’ That is a decision that should wholely rest in your own hands. The decision is best made by knowing and understanding what your current health status is. in consultation with a good. AIDS aware physician. It could also be beneficial to talk with a counselor at your local AIDS committee. The first step in making any decision about treatment concerns, is knowing what your status is This is the primary reason for individuals to consider taking the HIV antibody test. In a future article we will present the case for being tested. TYPES OF INTERVENTION Five general categories of intervention are currently available. 1. general health maintenance. 2. holistic or complementary therapies. 3 antiviral medicine. 4 immuneododulating medicines and 5 preventive medicine against opportunistic infections. Martin Delaney, coauthor of Strategies for Survival: The Gay Men's Health Manual for the Age of AIDS, wrote in a Eebruary, 1989 article "The biggest mistake we can make in exploring these approaches is to assume that we must choose one. as if it were an election campaign No singular method of intervention is sufficient on its own." A traditional, simplistic approach to health usually went something like this: if I get sick, go to a doctor and s/he will fix it. It is a common altitudinal approach that gives power over to trained professionals, eases us of the burdens of responsibility, and - for the most part - is usually effective. Modern medicine has developed allot of "fixes". AIDS knocks out the support for this attitude completely. There is no "fix", no magic bullet that provides a single treatment or cure At the same time, understanding that there are five useful ways to begin early intervention points toward a new attitudinal model, one of taking personal responsibility for decision making about our health, in partnership with skilled resources In future articles of this series, we will discuss the case for HIV antibody testing, new treatments, and cautions to bear in mind about interventions. 4. ????’’? Questions From the Phoneline Q: If someone I work with has AIDS, can I catch it from them’ A: Unless you had unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, or shared intravenous needles with them, there is no way you could be exposed to the *HIV You can not get AIDS or HIV infection from casual contact. virus You can't get it from sneezing, touching, kissing, brushing by. sharing a phone etc. In fact, you are of more risk to the person with AIDS Vhen one has AIDS, their immune system is suppressed, so they become more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flus This isn't good for the person with AIDS, as these simple illnesses become hard to fight off. If you work with someone who has AIDS, the best thing you can do is learn something about A IDS so that you can better support your colleague Don't be afraid of that person -don't be afraid to touch A hug can do wonders Q Can I get AIDS from having Oral Sex’ A There is a low risk of HIV transmission from oral sex as the HIV virus is found in Continued on Page 10 �Tidbits. te p wm lit ml M/M Is mi To all AIDS Committees. We have found bubble gum flavoured dental dams. To order write to Ash Temple 615 Erin Street Winnipeg. MB. R3G 2W1 1-800-665-8985 We have multicoloured condoms in bright green ', cherry red. canary yellow and electric blue We ordered them from: Safetex Corporation 1100 Valley Brook Avenue Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071 As I write this Tidbitl am feeding my little baby Sarah. Yes. I’m at work and so is my 2 month old baby! This would have been unheard of 20 years ago. but the times are changing It's been a positive experience for everyone. I have been able to return to work when Sarah is still very young I haven t had to face early separation from my baby or my other baby, my work. She makes us giggle when she makes funny noises during staff meetings; and. when things get crazy around the office. Sarah gives us a big smile and makes everything all right! They offer a wide variety of paper and envelopes I find the paper is of good quality. Domtar in Winnipeg also has recycled paper available Call (204)949-0210. Also some printers in Thunder Bay will have recycled paper available in the near future. They're Here! Posters For Kids________________ HEY* YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU CANT GET AIDS ER0M is produced by the Minnesota AIDS Project and is widely distributed in the United States Thunder Bay is the first city in Canada to receive this award-winning poster Whimsical cartoon characters come to life on a giant 17 x22" full colour poster that is sure to delight children of all ages The A IDS Committee of Thunder Bay is offering this poster for children, free to all local schools, along with an informative Teaching Guide. Contact Darcia Kchuska, Education Coordinator for more information at 345-1516 AIDS COMMITTEES: This poster is available at the discounted price of $2 00 per poster. Open House_____________________ An Open House will be held at ACT-B all day. Eriday, Eebruary 9 Come in and meet all the staff and have some great coffee and conversation While you're here, see our display and our "goodies" table. Sneak out a bit early Eriday afternoon and come on down Everyone is welcome! Environment__________________ ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS_______ This newsletter has been printed on recycled paper We ordered the paper from The Paper Source Fallbrook. Ontario K0G1A0 (613)267-7191 The ACT-B Resource Centre Library has three videos available geared specifically to teens A Letter From Brian---------------------------------This video tells the story of a teenage girl who �6. you know what? you CAN'T GET ALPS FROM: mm AIM IS Hot 5PACAO BY "TAltioS VC ToOCJf / had an intimate experience with a teenage boy named Brian He writes her a letter and tells her he has AIDS. She is scared. A Letter Erom Brian" tells how she deals with her situation. The Subject is AIDS----------This film features frank discussions with and among teenagers about the causes, concerns and preventive practices related to AIDS. STD Street Smarts—^— This video is produced by. for and with "street youth". With frank language and explicit imagery, this video addresses difficult issues such as sex and injection drug use in the age of A IDS. It is non-judgementai in its portrayal of young people acquiring, using, and sharing knowledge about safe sex and needle use This video is not intended for the average high school audience. "STD Street Smarts" is accompanied by a comprehensive facilitators' manual Eor more information on these and other videos and resource material available in our library, contact Darcia Kohuskai Education Coordinator at 345-1516 More Tidbits �7 OAN in Thunder Bay ! The summer of 1990 is going to be our turn to host a quarterly meeting of the Ontario AIDS Network' So. what is the OAN. you might ask? Veil, its MISSION STATEMENT says, "The Ontario AIDS Network is a coalition of Community Based groups mutually creating a just and effective response to AIDS" Meeting four times a year in various cities in Ontario, the local AIDS Committee plays host to the member delegates I have attended many of the OAN meetings. They can be large meetings with up to fifteen AIDS organizations taking part. Issues such as anonymous testing, treatments, funding programs and advocacy are discussed It helps our groups to make a coordinated response to the media, the Ontario Ministry of Health and the public. Also, workshops are held to share new knowledge and upgrade skills Massage, treatments, media relations, fundraising are just a few that have been covered in the past This is not the first OAN meeting to be held here The group was here about two years ago October of 1987 to be exact. That was during the city's first AIDS Awareness Veek! The OAN is a long way away, but there is a lot of planning and work to be done now. Is any one interested in getting involved? By creating an ad hoc committee we can pull together a great weekend for all our OAN members that will be here Looking after developing the agenda, assisting with catering, and billeting will be needed. An entertainment component for the weekend could be considered! Transportation may be required, meeting space needs to be found, and there will be mailings and office duties to be assisted with in the pre-event stages. Give me a call at the office if you want to assist with this project. It will only last from about February to July, with the majority of the work being done four to six weeks before the meeting If you can't help with the work,would you be able to provide accomodations for for someone while they're here7 This would be a great help All volunteers are also invited and welcome to attend the OAN when it's here This can be a fun event and we can show the off our organization to the rest of the province! Lawrence Korhonen Volunteer! 1989 has proven to be a very busy year for our volunteers, from bingos, client care, mall and school displays to office work. AIDS Awareness Veek and office renovations. One thing is for sure, not only would these events not have happened if it weren't for our volunteers, but it wouldn't have been as successful or as professional and without as much care. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay to thank each and every one of you, and also to let you know that you, the volunteers, are the best. And whatever the obstacles and the problems, volunteers who work with persons with AIDS or any work with AIDS Committees are the best of the best. Thank You! I personally want to say Tidbits Our 1990 Healthy Sex Calendar For Gay & Bisexual Men is now available at the New Year's price of only $4.95' Vehavea limited number of calendars left. Call 3*45-1516 to have one mailed to you or pick one up at 285 Bay Street A series of Vellness Seminars will be held at ACT-B in February and March. Guest facilitators will cover topics such as nutrition, stress reduction, massage and meditation All are welcome. Phone 345-1516 for details �8. ’.hanks for caking me feel right at home and comfortable since mv joining the ACT-B team My greatest pleasure has been getting to meet and know each and every one of you. You are simply the greatest I am looking forward to working with all of you in the New Year as well as at our informal volunteer get togethers The first of which is on January 11th at 7 30 pm. here in our newly renovated office. Hope to see you there. As we go into a new year I would like to leave some special words with you I do not know who wrote them but they are wonderful words to live by Speak it again Speak it still again Speak it still once again I wish all of you a wonderful and Happy New Year and along with it peace and tranquility. Sincerely Linda Gambee Volunteer Coordinator On This Day Mend a quarrel Search out a forgotten friend Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter Share some treasure Si ve a soft answer Encourage youth Manifest your loyaltym a word or deed. A CT-B Calendar January 17 Board Meeting 7.00 p m. January 23 BINGO1 6 30 Diamond Bingo Hall February 7 Executive Committee Meeting Keep a promise. Find the time Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy Listen. Apologize ifyou were wrong Try to understand. Flout envy Examine your demands on others Think first of someone else Appreciate, be kind, begentle Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence Decry complacency Take up arms against malice Express yourgratitude Gladden the heart of a child Take pleasure m the beauty and wonder of the earth Speak your love Eebruary Volunteer Orientation at the ACT-B office at 285 Bay St All interested persons are welcome Contact Linda Gambee at 345-1516 Eebruary 9 Open House1 All Day at the ACT-B office, 285 Bay Street Eebruary 14 Valentine’s Day Deadline for submissions for the March/April issue of ReACT-Believe Eebruary 21 Board Meeting 7 00pm March 7 Executive Committee Meeting �9. Shared When 1 decided to write this article I didn't know if I could I didn't know if I'd be able to relate to the problems that a person with AIDS faces. I spoke toaP W.A. andwe shared our experiences. I found we could relate - with a difference.. For the last ten months I have felt tired, alone and scared, Constant fatigue really dragged me down. I had to watch, every day, that I didn't do too much. If I went like crazy one day. I'd be exhausted for the next two. I was too tired to read or even sleep. I just-sat. It got to the point that I had to leave my job My friends didn't understand how I could be so tired. The fatigue didn't help my mood any either I became very cranky and my patience wore thin With the lack of sleep and the negative feelings and memories I had to deal with I became very sensitive -1 cried a lot. I needed my friends more than ever but my mood swings were driving them away I couldn't talk to them about how I felt because they couldn't understand. I had so many things to deal with, so many things to learn and understand. I needed help -1 needed and I felt alone, I had to deal with my self image I used to be such an Life independent, hardworking, active person. All of a sudden I needed help, and lots of it1 I couldn't work I had to go for Social Assistance. I couldn't afford to live in my nice apartment I had to move to more meagre surroundings I needed help to pack my things, I had to borrow money. I come from a family where you work and are responsible for yourself Needing so much help was a big kick in the ego. It's been a difficult and stressful year for myself and my friend with AIDS. The year turned out well, though. We both dealt with our situations. There is a positive side to this story. It's not all sadness. My friend has really improved the quality of his life over the past year He has learned to accentuate the positive He has reached out to people that can give him positive answers; some old friends and some new When he's feeling low he'll call a positive someone and talk it out. Another person's positive outlook can really help. *The Color of Light Daily Meditations For All Of Us Living With AIDS, by Perry Tilleraas He has learned to work with. not against his illness He reads *The Color of Light every day and reads about his illness and nutrition He walks every day and sets priorities for each day He doesn't chastise himself when he doesn't accomplish all he set out to do He pats himself on the back for what he has done He knows that he can put it off, because there is no sense stressing himself My friend has learned to ask for help emotionally and financially. He realizes now that the help is there for him. He has worked hard. He earned what he is getting. He strives to alleviate his anger and drive away his negativity which his illness thrives upon. Speaking to people who are not ill helps, and writing down his feelings also helps him to see things in a different light He has learned to live a positive and active life within the everchanging limitations of AIDS. Oh yes. the difference I mentioned at the beginning I feel better now. I'm working again and I have a brand new baby girl. My friend has AIDS Eileen Parker �10. continued from page 4 blood, semen and vaginal secretions in enough concentration to infect There is a possibility that one could be exposed to HIV while performing oral sex on an HIV infected person In order for the virus to transmit from the infected person to the other, the uninfected person would have to have a point of entry into their blood stream In other words, the infected semen or vaginal secretion would have to enter a cut or open sore in the mouth of the uninfected person, and that person would then have become exposed to the HIV virus The Safer Sex Guidelines developed by the Canadian AIDS Society, recommends that men wear condoms and women use a latex barrier when receiving oral sex- every time! Q: Me and some of the guys from school take steroids and we use the same needle. Can I catch AIDS or is that just from sharing needles when you do drugs’ A Sharing needles is sharing needles. It doesn't matter what you're shooting. Yes, you can be exposed to the HIV virus by sharing a needle with someone who is infected. You should not share needles but if you do they should be cleaned using bleach and water After EACH person uses the needle you should flush it out 2 or 3 times with bleach and then 2 or 3 times with water Make sure you do that in between EACH person. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Welcome to the 1990's As we enter anew decade it may be useful to take stock and try to see where we are heading. The early years of the A IDS era were marked by a variety of responses with some of the most useful work arising out of the concern of individuals, and coalescing in the community-based AIDS groups. Now that the initial panic and confusion has subsided, and government (at least in Ontario) has provided basic support, we are ready to move into a new period of action As we move into the '90's, we need no longer look at AIDS with the pessimism of the '80's Although no "magic bullet" cure or vaccine is likely to appear, we are learning to manage AIDS and we can begin to look at it as a chronic manageable condition. Drugs such as AZT and DDI often help on the medical front, while studies in complementary therapies offer a great deal of promise I believe the time has come for all of us to examine ourselves, both as individual whole systems and as part of a global ecology. If we begin to take ownership of ourselves, and the planet we live on. we can begin to effect significant change both in our personal health and in the health of our planetary home One of our projects in the near future is a series of Wellness seminars, and this should be an exciting way to begin the new decade in a positive and healthy manner Let us all begin to move along the path to personal and planetary health and wholeness David Belrose is a founding member of ACT-B and is serving his second full term as President He was born ^ rmsed m Thunder ®aY ^ writs for Canada Post 95 a *eWer carner • �ARE YOU AT RISK ? Call the confidential AIDS Information Phoneline at 345-SAFE. It ■ From 5 30 a m to 5:00 p.m. our staff and volunteers will answer your questions ■ After 5 p m. listen to an informative taped r ssage Would you like to be on our mailing list? Call 345-1516 or mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 ACT-B Services Speakers for educational presentations and in-service sessions for professional groups The ACT-B Resource Centre Library. Confidential one-on-one counselling. Support groups for persons with AIDS, friends, family, and others An Outreach Program to smaller communities in Northern Ontario. Producing and providing educational materials to groups and individuals All submissions and opinions for ReACT-Belie ve should be forwarded to the Editor by calling 345~1516 or writing to P.O. Box 3 5fib Thunder Bay; Ontario, P7B 6E2 ACT-B is a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society/ La Societe Canadienne du SIDA (Charity * 0779330-11) The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay If you have any questions or comments, please contact our office at (807) 345-1516 from 8 30 am. to 5:00 p m Our office is located at 283 Bay Street printed on recycled paper � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 3 No 1 - Jan/Feb 1989 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2662/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no2.pdf 2258eeefc606f9769b41f732723caffb PDF Text Text ���������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2662/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no1_[1989_v3n1]_2.pdf d1bcad91a61edf90d7a92f9f5171df83 PDF Text Text Ur\ Ok I m r\ I —K /IC^ nVil U eheve The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Newsletter January /February 1959 Volume III, Issue I Educators! Posters for kids! See inside Condoms & Cars Staff & Board.................. "Hands On" AIDS Therapy The Case For Early Intervention . Questions from the Phoneline Tidbits Pg. Pg ?g Pg 1 2 3 4 Dry 4 -Dao Ss CAN Comes to T. Bay!... . Volunteer! Volunteer' ACT-B Calendar. Shared Life President's Message Pg 7 Pg 7 Pg 8 Pg 9 Pg 10 �1. Condoms and Cars Reprinted with permission from the AIDS Committee of Windsor It's become the leading cause of death in young people. It can be avoided completely only by abstaining. Yet few are willing to make that sacrifice and choose rather to live with the risk. Most efforts to contain this epidemic focus on reducing the danger to an acceptable level. Those words refer to traffic accidents. They are also familiar terms for describing the AIDS epidemic. There are those who argue that the only way to stop AIDS is to promote abstinence. No level of risk is acceptable. Ifthey were consistent in their logic they wouldalso be campaigning to ban the automobile Even with all the emphasis on seat belts, air bags, speed limits and drunk driving laws, the highways are hardly a risk free environment. The usual criticism of condoms is that their record as a birth control device is less than reassuring. An often quoted statistic is that over the course of a year about 10% of the heterosexual couples using condoms will v.oj'w. IVilVV ^ 1 V^J***M*V f Condoms are neither failsafe nor foolproof For the most part they don't work because people forget to use them or damage them through improper use And sometimes condoms are poorly manufactured. Why then do public health officials, health care workers and community AIDS organizations rely so heavily on condom promotion? The answer lies in the distinction between conception and infection One sperm cell, and only, one. is needed to fertilize an ovum. The reproductive process is designed to facilitate fertilization, with millions of sperm cells contained in every ejaculation of semen. On the other hand AIDSis a difficult disease to contract sexually. Viral infections must occur in sufficient number and frequency to overwhelm the immune response That threshold varies with the source of the infection and the health of the people involved. The levels of HIV in semen and vaginal fluids are lew and often can not be detected in r\orer»«"io Vv> nrrr** tn Ko * r, f - Over several years the risk is compounded. If the chances of geting AIDS are the same as having a baby abstaining starts to look very good indeed. j'W UWiiU lUlW VW l/V tiilVVtVM. Studies have shown that the sexual partners of people with HIV often remain uninfected over long periods of time despite repeated exposures through unprotected intercourse. In comparison the exchange of blood through sharing needles provides a far more efficient means of infection In order to break the epidemic ofsexually transmitted AIDS, condoms dent need to be 100% effective In fact even a leaking condom may sometimes be sufficient in keeping the amount of exposure below the threshold of infection. Realistically however, the goal is to make HIV infection an isolated event, not to eliminate all risk. So far this strategy appears to be working in the one segment of society that is taking safer sex seriously the gay community Rates of sexually transmitted disease and the incidence of HIV transmission have been reduced far beyond what was believed possible. And this has happened despite the large numbers already infected Abstention will always be an option. We can choose not to have sex or not to travel the highways. But most of us will continue to take chances •n ikit wUl vAl tvsi. iXioUvlAig, reasonable concessions to safety Jim Monk �r Christine Mather (just call me Chris) I am the new Support Services Coordinator at ACT-3 > my name is 2. ren Maki and Eileen Parker are now with us as Fundraising Coordinator and Communications/Outreach Coor­ dinator respectively Karen was a member of the ACT-B Board That's a Support Services Coordinator?" That's a good question, one for which we don't yet have a full answer Basically. I see my job of Directors She will coordinate and help plan as providing "psycho-social" support (O K I'll and implement the private fundraising of try and make that the last jargon I use) to ACT-B in conjunction with the Eundraising P V A s. their families, friends and other care This will include organizing Committee givers figuring out just what services should bingos, special events and making foundation be developed to deliver that support is the first and corporate approaches. task the Support Services Committee Eileen has been with us previously, and I face. Of course, we 11 be reviewing what since July, on a CEIC Section 25 job creation has been done in other communities, but we'd program. She will be continuing her work in like to begin by hosting an organizational/ commumcations;producmg posters, pamphlets, brainstormiong meeting for anyone our newsletter and working with the media concerned about AIDS We can anticipate that and will also be coordinating our Northwestern from this meeting will come ideas, direction Ontario Outreach Program and guidance - so start thinking Ve il be advertising and explaining this meeting more thouroughly closer to the event e miss Donna and Vicki That's a description of my position now for I am an some information about me already! immigrant from England and have been in Donna was our Project Coordinator and Vicki Thunder Bay for 13 years Eor the last eight was our Administrative Assistant on a CEIC years I have been a Social Worker and have Section 25 job creation program. worked in several local agencies. I very much Each with her own special brand of humour enjoy living in Canada and especially like and unique insight, they brightened up the getting out into the bush. If there's any kind of assistance I can offer i office and our lives Donna has moved on to another job and Vicki is enjoying the Florida you or those you care about, from counselling to negotiating with government agencies, feel winter. We miss them! free to give me a call or drop in at the office In our next newsletter will be a column ACT-B Board of Directors from me about stress and stress management techniques. David Belrose President Deb White Vice-President Chris Mather H.B.S.W Norma Proctor Treasurer ACT-B Staff Terry Bryant..................... Secretary George Arnold Director Linda Gambee VolunteerCoordinator Rick Atkinson......................................... Director Darcia Kohuska EducationCoordinator Michael Chan Director Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Carl Gray..................................................Director Karen Maki FundraisingCoordinator Betty Kruzick Director Chris Mather Support Services Coordinator John McDonald ....................................Director Eileen Parker Communications Coordinator Jeanette Munshaw..................................Director Michael Sobota.....................Executive Director Barbara Reid........................................... Director �r Christine Mather, i (just cal! me Chris) I am the new Support | Services Coordinator at ACT-B > my name is 2. ren Maki and Eileen Parker are now with us as Fundraising Coordinator and Communications/Outreach Coor­ dinator respectively Karen was a member of the ACT-B Board 'What's a Support Services Coordinator?" That's a good question one for which we don't yet have a full answer Basically. I see my job of Directors She will coordinate and help plan as providing "psycho-social” support (O K I'll and implement the private fundraising of try and make that the last jargon I use) to ACT-B in conjunction with the Eundraising P W A s. their families, friends and other care This will include organizing Committee givers figuring out just what services should bingos, special events and making foundation be developed to deliver that support is the first and corporate approaches. task the Support Services Committee Eileen has been with us previously, and I face. Of course, we 11 be reviewing what since July, on a CEIC Section 25 job creation has been done in other communities, but we'd program. She will be continuing her work in like to begin by hosting an organizational/ communications;producing posters, pamphlets, brainstormiong meeting for anyone our newsletter and working with the media concerned about AIDS. We can anticipate that and will also be coordinating our Northwestern from this meeting will come ideas, direction Ontario Outreach Program and guidance - so start thinking We ll be advertising and explaining this meeting more thouroughly closer to the event e miss Donna and Vicki That's a description of my position now for I am an some information about me already! immigrant from England and have been in Donna was our Project Coordinator and Vicki Thunder Bay for 13 years Eor the last eight was our Administrative Assistant on a CEIC years I have been a Social Worker and have Section 25 job creation program. worked in several local agencies. I very much Each with her own special brand of humour enjoy living in Canada and especially like and unique insight, they brightened up the getting out into the bush. If there's any kind of assistance I can offer i office and our lives Donna has moved on to another job and Vicki is enjoying the Florida you or those you care about, from counselling to negotiating with government agencies, feel winter. We miss them! free to give me a call or drop in at the office In our next newsletter will be a column ACT-B Board of Directors from me about stress and stress management techniques. David Belrose........................................ President Deb White Vice-President Chris Mather H.B.S.W Norma Proctor Treasurer ACT-B Staff Terry Bryant........................................ Secretary George Arnold......................................... Director Linda Gambee VolunteerCoordinator Rick Atkinson ....................................... Director Darcia Kohuska EducationCoordinator Michael Chan Director Lawrence Korhonen Office Manager Carl Gray ............................................ Director Karen Maki FundraisingCoordinator Betty Kruzick Director Chris Mather Support Services Coordinator John McDonald........................................Director Eileen Parker Communications Coordinator Jeanette Munshaw..................................Director Michael Sobota . Executive Director Barbara Reid........................................... Director �3. Massage & the Acquired Immune Deficiency by William ¥. Roberts It was not easy to begin massage work with PW A.s. I found no resistance in myself, especially after checking nth others who were already working in this area. However some friends were not happy nth the idea This led to some heated discussions (!) and a procedure that seemed to satisfy everyone involved Everyone is involved. Let me put out some of my experience and I hope, some useful ideas I'll make two things clear at the beginning. Massage is a laying on of hands, a caring person taking care of another. This, in itself, is a healing process at least as old as the Bible and certainly something that everyone can do. The second point is that there is no need to adjust the approach of massage for a person with AIDS or other related dis-eases There are special situations to be aware of, however you must be aware of any one’s special circumstances before and as you work on them And you must decide to work. It also seems important for any massaging person to not take on the dis-ease of a person they are working on To do so. I find, drains energy, gives headaches and ends further sessions. I prefer to iook at the massage person as a conduit or channel for anv healing process that is at work, and an unplugged drain for tensions to pass off and thru. Leaving no residual This means I must clear my head. I found that washing before a session, burning cedar with a window cracked to clear the working space, shaking the hands off when they feel heavy, taking breaks when needed (by both people!), a glass of good water and a light heart worked quite well for myself At times I use music, however 111 mention that later Relax! EorthePV A there are some other aspects I feel are important Nervousness1 Yours at least, and this may be the first time this person receives a massage. Check this out with any person you work on. and give some careful thought to the fear that may be in someone who is quite possibly facing their death. In the case of Karposis Sarcoma, there may be darkened areas of skin (like bruises) or open lesions I exercise the same caution as I would around bruises and wounds Very gently over the bruise and leave the wound alone The hands can be passed over the areas, without touching, with probably the same effect The care is more important than the actual contact. Joints may be quite stiff Gentle manipulation using the comfortable range of motion. I let the person tell me if something hurts My aim is relaxation and normalization of body functions. Many, if not most relaxation tapes are just plain dumb and a waste of money! Listen before you buy. The most useful ones I’ve found are simply sounds oceans/crickets/frogs/birds and music that is not climactic Stuff that moves easily (and maybe exoticallyor eccentrically) as you would like the body to move There is a lot to talk about here and maybe I can go into another article I don t want to leave without mentioning two possibly important items Tickling Not a lot! and not at the end! (Check out the situation with the person first) And iust holding the head with both hands and allowing the complete relaxation.* Sometimes a deep sigh will indicate the release, and other times a snoring sound* That’s all for now. please feel free to contact me. * Emotional Stress Release points on the head, check out a Touch for Health book or a Naturopath. William Roberts is a long standing volunteer vith ACT-B. He is a trained Touch For Health practitioner, a masseur, a teacher of T'ai-Chi and plants trees. For more information an the healing properties of massage, stop by the ACT-B Resource Centre Library at 285 Bay St. �The Case For Early Intervention PART l TYPES OF INTERVENTION Sc ATTITUDE TtV>o UiW A 4 A W N rsqft nf flntc % VA \AAiO series, we reported the Federal Government's revised guidelines for the use of AZT As mere has become known about this drug and how to appropriately administer it. AZT has shown itself to be an effective way to slow the replication of HIV in many infected individuals Eor others. aZT may not be effective or appropriate. 5hould you use AZT if you are HIV +’ That is a decision that should wholely rest in your own hands. The decision is best made by knowing and understanding what your current health status is. in consultation with a good. AIDS aware physician. It could also be beneficial to talk with a counselor at your local AIDS committee. The first step in making any decision about treatment concerns, is knowing what your status is This is the primary reason for individuals to consider taking the HIV antibody test. In a future article we will present the case for being tested. TYPES OF INTERVENTION Five general categories of intervention are currently available. 1. general health maintenance. 2. holistic or complementary therapies. 3 antiviral medicine. 4 immuneododulating medicines and 5 preventive medicine against opportunistic infections. Martin Delaney, coauthor of Strategies for Survival: The Gay Men's Health Manual for the Age of AIDS, wrote in a Eebruary, 1989 article "The biggest mistake we can make in exploring these approaches is to assume that we must choose one. as if it were an election campaign No singular method of intervention is sufficient on its own." A traditional, simplistic approach to health usually went something like this: if I get sick, go to a doctor and s/he will fix it. It is a common altitudinal approach that gives power over to trained professionals, eases us of the burdens of responsibility, and - for the most part - is usually effective. Modern medicine has developed allot of "fixes". AIDS knocks out the support for this attitude completely. There is no "fix", no magic bullet that provides a single treatment or cure At the same time, understanding that there are five useful ways to begin early intervention points toward a new attitudinal model, one of taking personal responsibility for decision making about our health, in partnership with skilled resources In future articles of this series, we will discuss the case for HIV antibody testing, new treatments, and cautions to bear in mind about interventions. 4. ????’’? Questions From the Phoneline Q: If someone I work with has AIDS, can I catch it from them’ A: Unless you had unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, or shared intravenous needles with them, there is no way you could be exposed to the *HIV You can not get AIDS or HIV infection from casual contact. virus You can't get it from sneezing, touching, kissing, brushing by. sharing a phone etc. In fact, you are of more risk to the person with AIDS Vhen one has AIDS, their immune system is suppressed, so they become more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flus This isn't good for the person with AIDS, as these simple illnesses become hard to fight off. If you work with someone who has AIDS, the best thing you can do is learn something about A IDS so that you can better support your colleague Don't be afraid of that person -don't be afraid to touch A hug can do wonders Q Can I get AIDS from having Oral Sex’ A There is a low risk of HIV transmission from oral sex as the HIV virus is found in Continued on Page 10 �Tidbits. te p wm lit ml M/M Is mi To all AIDS Committees. We have found bubble gum flavoured dental dams. To order write to Ash Temple 615 Erin Street Winnipeg. MB. R3G 2W1 1-800-665-8985 We have multicoloured condoms in bright green ', cherry red. canary yellow and electric blue We ordered them from: Safetex Corporation 1100 Valley Brook Avenue Lyndhurst, New Jersey 07071 As I write this Tidbitl am feeding my little baby Sarah. Yes. I’m at work and so is my 2 month old baby! This would have been unheard of 20 years ago. but the times are changing It's been a positive experience for everyone. I have been able to return to work when Sarah is still very young I haven t had to face early separation from my baby or my other baby, my work. She makes us giggle when she makes funny noises during staff meetings; and. when things get crazy around the office. Sarah gives us a big smile and makes everything all right! They offer a wide variety of paper and envelopes I find the paper is of good quality. Domtar in Winnipeg also has recycled paper available Call (204)949-0210. Also some printers in Thunder Bay will have recycled paper available in the near future. They're Here! Posters For Kids________________ HEY* YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU CANT GET AIDS ER0M is produced by the Minnesota AIDS Project and is widely distributed in the United States Thunder Bay is the first city in Canada to receive this award-winning poster Whimsical cartoon characters come to life on a giant 17 x22" full colour poster that is sure to delight children of all ages The A IDS Committee of Thunder Bay is offering this poster for children, free to all local schools, along with an informative Teaching Guide. Contact Darcia Kchuska, Education Coordinator for more information at 345-1516 AIDS COMMITTEES: This poster is available at the discounted price of $2 00 per poster. Open House_____________________ An Open House will be held at ACT-B all day. Eriday, Eebruary 9 Come in and meet all the staff and have some great coffee and conversation While you're here, see our display and our "goodies" table. Sneak out a bit early Eriday afternoon and come on down Everyone is welcome! Environment__________________ ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS_______ This newsletter has been printed on recycled paper We ordered the paper from The Paper Source Fallbrook. Ontario K0G1A0 (613)267-7191 The ACT-B Resource Centre Library has three videos available geared specifically to teens A Letter From Brian---------------------------------This video tells the story of a teenage girl who �6. you know what? you CAN'T GET ALPS FROM: mm AIM IS Hot 5PACAO BY "TAltioS VC ToOCJf / had an intimate experience with a teenage boy named Brian He writes her a letter and tells her he has AIDS. She is scared. A Letter Erom Brian" tells how she deals with her situation. The Subject is AIDS----------This film features frank discussions with and among teenagers about the causes, concerns and preventive practices related to AIDS. STD Street Smarts—^— This video is produced by. for and with "street youth". With frank language and explicit imagery, this video addresses difficult issues such as sex and injection drug use in the age of A IDS. It is non-judgementai in its portrayal of young people acquiring, using, and sharing knowledge about safe sex and needle use This video is not intended for the average high school audience. "STD Street Smarts" is accompanied by a comprehensive facilitators' manual Eor more information on these and other videos and resource material available in our library, contact Darcia Kohuskai Education Coordinator at 345-1516 More Tidbits �7 OAN in Thunder Bay ! The summer of 1990 is going to be our turn to host a quarterly meeting of the Ontario AIDS Network' So. what is the OAN. you might ask? Veil, its MISSION STATEMENT says, "The Ontario AIDS Network is a coalition of Community Based groups mutually creating a just and effective response to AIDS" Meeting four times a year in various cities in Ontario, the local AIDS Committee plays host to the member delegates I have attended many of the OAN meetings. They can be large meetings with up to fifteen AIDS organizations taking part. Issues such as anonymous testing, treatments, funding programs and advocacy are discussed It helps our groups to make a coordinated response to the media, the Ontario Ministry of Health and the public. Also, workshops are held to share new knowledge and upgrade skills Massage, treatments, media relations, fundraising are just a few that have been covered in the past This is not the first OAN meeting to be held here The group was here about two years ago October of 1987 to be exact. That was during the city's first AIDS Awareness Veek! The OAN is a long way away, but there is a lot of planning and work to be done now. Is any one interested in getting involved? By creating an ad hoc committee we can pull together a great weekend for all our OAN members that will be here Looking after developing the agenda, assisting with catering, and billeting will be needed. An entertainment component for the weekend could be considered! Transportation may be required, meeting space needs to be found, and there will be mailings and office duties to be assisted with in the pre-event stages. Give me a call at the office if you want to assist with this project. It will only last from about February to July, with the majority of the work being done four to six weeks before the meeting If you can't help with the work,would you be able to provide accomodations for for someone while they're here7 This would be a great help All volunteers are also invited and welcome to attend the OAN when it's here This can be a fun event and we can show the off our organization to the rest of the province! Lawrence Korhonen Volunteer! 1989 has proven to be a very busy year for our volunteers, from bingos, client care, mall and school displays to office work. AIDS Awareness Veek and office renovations. One thing is for sure, not only would these events not have happened if it weren't for our volunteers, but it wouldn't have been as successful or as professional and without as much care. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay to thank each and every one of you, and also to let you know that you, the volunteers, are the best. And whatever the obstacles and the problems, volunteers who work with persons with AIDS or any work with AIDS Committees are the best of the best. Thank You! I personally want to say Tidbits Our 1990 Healthy Sex Calendar For Gay & Bisexual Men is now available at the New Year's price of only $4.95' Vehavea limited number of calendars left. Call 3*45-1516 to have one mailed to you or pick one up at 285 Bay Street A series of Vellness Seminars will be held at ACT-B in February and March. Guest facilitators will cover topics such as nutrition, stress reduction, massage and meditation All are welcome. Phone 345-1516 for details �8. ’.hanks for caking me feel right at home and comfortable since mv joining the ACT-B team My greatest pleasure has been getting to meet and know each and every one of you. You are simply the greatest I am looking forward to working with all of you in the New Year as well as at our informal volunteer get togethers The first of which is on January 11th at 7 30 pm. here in our newly renovated office. Hope to see you there. As we go into a new year I would like to leave some special words with you I do not know who wrote them but they are wonderful words to live by Speak it again Speak it still again Speak it still once again I wish all of you a wonderful and Happy New Year and along with it peace and tranquility. Sincerely Linda Gambee Volunteer Coordinator On This Day Mend a quarrel Search out a forgotten friend Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter Share some treasure Si ve a soft answer Encourage youth Manifest your loyaltym a word or deed. A CT-B Calendar January 17 Board Meeting 7.00 p m. January 23 BINGO1 6 30 Diamond Bingo Hall February 7 Executive Committee Meeting Keep a promise. Find the time Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy Listen. Apologize ifyou were wrong Try to understand. Flout envy Examine your demands on others Think first of someone else Appreciate, be kind, begentle Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence Decry complacency Take up arms against malice Express yourgratitude Gladden the heart of a child Take pleasure m the beauty and wonder of the earth Speak your love Eebruary Volunteer Orientation at the ACT-B office at 285 Bay St All interested persons are welcome Contact Linda Gambee at 345-1516 Eebruary 9 Open House1 All Day at the ACT-B office, 285 Bay Street Eebruary 14 Valentine’s Day Deadline for submissions for the March/April issue of ReACT-Believe Eebruary 21 Board Meeting 7 00pm March 7 Executive Committee Meeting �9. Shared When 1 decided to write this article I didn't know if I could I didn't know if I'd be able to relate to the problems that a person with AIDS faces. I spoke toaP W.A. andwe shared our experiences. I found we could relate - with a difference.. For the last ten months I have felt tired, alone and scared, Constant fatigue really dragged me down. I had to watch, every day, that I didn't do too much. If I went like crazy one day. I'd be exhausted for the next two. I was too tired to read or even sleep. I just-sat. It got to the point that I had to leave my job My friends didn't understand how I could be so tired. The fatigue didn't help my mood any either I became very cranky and my patience wore thin With the lack of sleep and the negative feelings and memories I had to deal with I became very sensitive -1 cried a lot. I needed my friends more than ever but my mood swings were driving them away I couldn't talk to them about how I felt because they couldn't understand. I had so many things to deal with, so many things to learn and understand. I needed help -1 needed and I felt alone, I had to deal with my self image I used to be such an Life independent, hardworking, active person. All of a sudden I needed help, and lots of it1 I couldn't work I had to go for Social Assistance. I couldn't afford to live in my nice apartment I had to move to more meagre surroundings I needed help to pack my things, I had to borrow money. I come from a family where you work and are responsible for yourself Needing so much help was a big kick in the ego. It's been a difficult and stressful year for myself and my friend with AIDS. The year turned out well, though. We both dealt with our situations. There is a positive side to this story. It's not all sadness. My friend has really improved the quality of his life over the past year He has learned to accentuate the positive He has reached out to people that can give him positive answers; some old friends and some new When he's feeling low he'll call a positive someone and talk it out. Another person's positive outlook can really help. *The Color of Light Daily Meditations For All Of Us Living With AIDS, by Perry Tilleraas He has learned to work with. not against his illness He reads *The Color of Light every day and reads about his illness and nutrition He walks every day and sets priorities for each day He doesn't chastise himself when he doesn't accomplish all he set out to do He pats himself on the back for what he has done He knows that he can put it off, because there is no sense stressing himself My friend has learned to ask for help emotionally and financially. He realizes now that the help is there for him. He has worked hard. He earned what he is getting. He strives to alleviate his anger and drive away his negativity which his illness thrives upon. Speaking to people who are not ill helps, and writing down his feelings also helps him to see things in a different light He has learned to live a positive and active life within the everchanging limitations of AIDS. Oh yes. the difference I mentioned at the beginning I feel better now. I'm working again and I have a brand new baby girl. My friend has AIDS Eileen Parker �10. continued from page 4 blood, semen and vaginal secretions in enough concentration to infect There is a possibility that one could be exposed to HIV while performing oral sex on an HIV infected person In order for the virus to transmit from the infected person to the other, the uninfected person would have to have a point of entry into their blood stream In other words, the infected semen or vaginal secretion would have to enter a cut or open sore in the mouth of the uninfected person, and that person would then have become exposed to the HIV virus The Safer Sex Guidelines developed by the Canadian AIDS Society, recommends that men wear condoms and women use a latex barrier when receiving oral sex- every time! Q: Me and some of the guys from school take steroids and we use the same needle. Can I catch AIDS or is that just from sharing needles when you do drugs’ A Sharing needles is sharing needles. It doesn't matter what you're shooting. Yes, you can be exposed to the HIV virus by sharing a needle with someone who is infected. You should not share needles but if you do they should be cleaned using bleach and water After EACH person uses the needle you should flush it out 2 or 3 times with bleach and then 2 or 3 times with water Make sure you do that in between EACH person. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Welcome to the 1990's As we enter anew decade it may be useful to take stock and try to see where we are heading. The early years of the A IDS era were marked by a variety of responses with some of the most useful work arising out of the concern of individuals, and coalescing in the community-based AIDS groups. Now that the initial panic and confusion has subsided, and government (at least in Ontario) has provided basic support, we are ready to move into a new period of action As we move into the '90's, we need no longer look at AIDS with the pessimism of the '80's Although no "magic bullet" cure or vaccine is likely to appear, we are learning to manage AIDS and we can begin to look at it as a chronic manageable condition. Drugs such as AZT and DDI often help on the medical front, while studies in complementary therapies offer a great deal of promise I believe the time has come for all of us to examine ourselves, both as individual whole systems and as part of a global ecology. If we begin to take ownership of ourselves, and the planet we live on. we can begin to effect significant change both in our personal health and in the health of our planetary home One of our projects in the near future is a series of Wellness seminars, and this should be an exciting way to begin the new decade in a positive and healthy manner Let us all begin to move along the path to personal and planetary health and wholeness David Belrose is a founding member of ACT-B and is serving his second full term as President He was born ^ rmsed m Thunder ®aY ^ writs for Canada Post 95 a *eWer carner • �ARE YOU AT RISK ? Call the confidential AIDS Information Phoneline at 345-SAFE. It ■ From 5 30 a m to 5:00 p.m. our staff and volunteers will answer your questions ■ After 5 p m. listen to an informative taped r ssage Would you like to be on our mailing list? Call 345-1516 or mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 ACT-B Services Speakers for educational presentations and in-service sessions for professional groups The ACT-B Resource Centre Library. Confidential one-on-one counselling. Support groups for persons with AIDS, friends, family, and others An Outreach Program to smaller communities in Northern Ontario. Producing and providing educational materials to groups and individuals All submissions and opinions for ReACT-Belie ve should be forwarded to the Editor by calling 345~1516 or writing to P.O. Box 3 5fib Thunder Bay; Ontario, P7B 6E2 ACT-B is a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society/ La Societe Canadienne du SIDA (Charity * 0779330-11) The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay If you have any questions or comments, please contact our office at (807) 345-1516 from 8 30 am. to 5:00 p m Our office is located at 283 Bay Street printed on recycled paper � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 3 No 2 - Spring 1990 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2664/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no4.pdf f0bbd84d7a773275252d435674aa2b53 PDF Text Text ������������ https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2664/1990_reACT-Believe_vol3no4_2.pdf 9b535fcd1cda4ab2240ab07e3c1aee1d PDF Text Text OUTLIVING OUT LOVING A WA R Coming Home: Prodigal Son Revisited ReACT-Believ* The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay newsletter Fail 1990 Volume III Issue IVl �Table of Contents The Corporation Of The City Of Thunder Bay OFFICE OF THE MAYOR JACK MASTERS 500 DONALD STREET EAST, THUNDER SAY, ONTARIO. PJC 5V3 ;a07| 625 3911 October 1990 A Condom by any other name . .. Pg 5 Sunshine - by Jim - a Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay Pg 5 MESSAGE FROM MAYOR JACK MASTERS Soldiers • by Ron - a Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay Pg5 AIDS, has reached epidemic proportion world wide. It is most important that all citizens be made aware of this disease, and for the need to increase our research efforts immensely. Crossword - R U in the know? Pg6 Thank You! Pg 8 Native Outreach Pg 8 AZT - Then & Now Pg9 Desperately Seeking Susan Pg 11 Women Living With AIDS & HIV Pg H ACT-B Services Pg 3 Glenna Pg 7 I take this opportunity to indicate the importance of AIDS AWARENESS WEEK. Tt is a time to intensify the educational efforts so that we are all aware of the facts concerning ATDS-What can be done to avoid contracting AIDS?-How we can help those who have AIDS?-How we can assist in encouraging more active research? Please find time to be aware, and to take advantage of the information being offered. Yours^sincerely, fcJ Jack Masters /ayor JM/ch If you think education is expensive - try ignorance. - Derek Bok Outrunning for AIDS SK Run/Walk 1990 October 14 10 cum. at Boulevard Lake With uour $12 registration receive a long-sleeved quality designer T-shirt! sulra ifVAJl/VA Pick up registration forms at the Complex, the College, at your local sports store or by calling 345-1516. RtACT-Bclievc �Coming Slome: Prodigal Son Revisited Musical Accompaniment by members of the ‘Thunder (Bay Symphony Orchestra iMonday, October IS, 1990 8:00 p.m. THl'NDFR B.V> oncHrvrnA at the Thunder Bay Art Qattery symthom ‘Refreshments mill be served Admission is free Sponsored by the Interagency AIDS Awareness ‘Week, Steering Committee for more information call 345-1$16 Are you HIV+? Is someone you love HIV+? The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay offers a support group for those living with AIDS and HIV infection. Contact Glenna at 345-1516 for more information. Confidentiality is assured. ACT-B Dictionary ACT-B The AIDS CommiLtee of Thunder Bay. A community-based AIDS Service Organization dedicated to confronting AIDS through education, advocacy and support. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the virus believed to cause AIDS. AIDS Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome - the immune system is disrupted by the HIV virus, leaving the body defenceless against opportunistic infections. PLWA Person Living With AIDS HIV+ Having tested positive for HIV antibodies. RcACT-Belim Ken Ward A Cree Native Person Living With AIDS will give a talk on ’’AIDS in the Aboriginal Community" Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 p.m. Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Admission is free! For more information call 345-1516. Page 2 �Education ACT-B Services The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay (ACT-B) is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides services for those who are affected by AIDS/HIV. We also provide ongoing education for our community to prevent the spread of HIV infection. We are a member of the Ontario AIDS Network and the Canadian AIDS Society. Support Services The Support Services arc geared toward helping people with AIDS, those who have tested HIV+ and their families, friends and carepartners. We provide assistance in coping with the difficulties which may arise as a result of their health status. We offer two support groups. One for those who have AIDS and those who are HTV+. Another is for family, friends and carepartners. Counselling and emotional support is also provided for individuals and families. Referrals are made to other agencies for specific needs. We advocate on our consumer’s behalf if they arc dealing with harassment or are not receiving fair treatment from agencies, institutions, or employers. Daily tasks such as housekeeping, transportation, cooking and shopping can become difficult when living with AIDS/HIV. Our volunteers can provide practical support when necessary. ACT-B can offer short term assistance for those with emergency financial needs. A request for emergency assistance can be made by anyone affected by AIDS/HIV. Page 3 AIDS Awareness Week 1990 Our Education department acts as a consultation and education resource. We give information on a number of issues, such as workplace policies and the psychosocial issues surrounding AIDS/HI V. We provide free educational presentations, literature and posters for any interested groups in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. We visit schools, hospitals, agencies and community groups. The ACT-B Resource Library slocks the largest selection of current, factual educational resources on AIDS/HIV in Northwestern Ontario. Books and videos are available on loan. The pamphlets, brochures and posters arc also free. We also stock condoms, lubricant and latex gloves. Our AIDS Infoline, 345-SAFE (3457233) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Talk to staff or volunteers Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or afterhours, listen to an informative, up-todate taped message about AIDS/HIV. The education committee is a volunteer committee that brainstorms and then develops educational campaigns, special events and educational projects relevant to Northwestern Ontario. For more information about programs call (807) 345-1516. AIDS Awareness Week is a province­ wide event coordinated by the Ontario AIDS Network and endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Health. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, Confederation College, Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, Lakehead University, McKellar Hospital, Port Arthur General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit are sponsoring AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay. AIDS/HIV is a growing concern in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. The disease affects everyone. People living with AIDS and HIV infection are our neighbours, co-workers, classmates and friends. They are people living normal lives with AIDS and HIV. AIDS Awareness Week is about understanding AIDS/HIV, not fearing iL It’s about sharing and what it’s like to cope with the virus. It’s about caring. This year’s theme for AIDS Awareness Week is "OUTLIVING, OUT LOVING, OUTLASTING AIDS". This means AIDS is about living, about caring and that for the AIDS/HIV person; healthy survival is of prime importance. our Volunteer Training A Volunteer Training was held Saturday, September 22 at the Thunder Bay Yacht Club. Training is provided for all new volunteers on AIDS and HIV infection and what it is like to live with AIDS. For information on the next session contact Sheila at 345-1516. Enrolment is limited so please apply early. HUG TICKET & THIS TICKET IS o GOOD FOR ON E b REE HUG FROM ANY PARTICIPATING PERSON UPON PRESENTATION f\CT-6 HUG 0_U6 California reasoning Carolyn Mahboubi, 25-)ear-o1d man­ ager of a Beverly Hills clothing shop, explains why she takes time to work for several local charities: “Being involved with reality and improving it is impor­ tant to me ” Source: Los Angeles Times magazine. RcACT-Believc �AIDS Awareness Week October 14 - 20 Sunday, October 14 5k Fun Run/Walk 10 a.m. Boulevard Lake Monday, October 15 Opening Ceremonies 11 a.m. Marina Park Keynote Event 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Art Gallel Playreading: Coming Home; Prodigal Son Revisited & members of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Tuesday, October 16 Presentation - Ken Ward 6:30 p.m. Kashadaying Reside Wednesday, October 17 Premiere of Kee-Way-Win "Journey" 7:30 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Michael McCrimmon "HIV & Chemical Dependency" 1 p.m. Thunder Bay District Unit Ken Ward "A Cree Native Person Living With AIDSFree Presentation on "AIDS in the Aboriginal Community" 7:00 p.m. Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre f'Drug Dependency & AIDS" 8:30 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Thursday, October 18 Friday, October 19 Candlelight Vigil 7:30 p.m. Meet at 285 Bay Sl for a short, silent^ walk to the Unitarian Hah Healthy Sex Cabaret 8:00 p.m. at The Boda 'nservices Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital Kee-Way-Win "Journey" McKellar General Hospital "Psychological Aspects of AIDS" 9 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Saturday, October 20 Displays Intercity Mall Display All day Port Arthur General Hospital Videos and Inservice St. Joseph's General Hospital Confederation College For more information about events, phone RcACT-Belirve 345-1516. Sunday, October 21 Kee-Way-Win "Journey" 2 p.m. MacLean Hunter Cable TV Channel 7 Page 4 �Too much of a good thing is wonderful. - Mae West A People Living With AIDS (PLWA) group outing. I mother, Dorothy were lifeguards. Sheila worked on her tan. The frisbee was tossed around, our appetites were whetted. Max joined later in the day but not late for the food; food there was in abundance. Hamburgers came courtesy of Dorothy and Tom. "Smokies", were donated by Ed, who incidentally did a magnificent job as chef. All too soon it was lime to go home. My most memorable moment of an almost flawless day occurred on a short hike. We stopped up the river a way and took in more sun. I reflected on how the day had unfolded. At first, I was apprehensive; I would be with people I didn’t know and who didn’t know me. Now at the end of the day, my favourite element rushed and roared by. The sun in it’s brilliance continued to shine on. Underlying everything was the reality that I have AIDS and that all of us were affected directly or indirectly with this reality. For the moment all was well. Life was as it should be. The river gave me conviction that life goes on. I wasn’t alone and God....but, it’s great to be alive! What a great way to start Friday, July 20th! Summer clouds lazily drifted across a blue clean sky. The temperature rose steadily as did anticipation to get on the road for a picnic at Kakabeka Falls. Nine of us were to spend the day together. I can’t forget "Gus." He belongs to Russ and Max, or is it the other way around? Anyway Gus is a dog. He came to represent the variety of feelings and emotions that coursed throughout our group. "Gus," stood for unity; spreading himself around to be patted, to be fed, to be Jim.... comforted, to give comfort and to be loved. Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay We loaded up Sheila’s truck and ACT B’s van, with lawn chairs, sunscreen, picnic coolers and joviality. Ron drove, informing those of us who smoked, that we weren’t to light up. Of course we promptly obeyed the policy. Along the way, we began talking. "Did you eat breakfast? How are you feeling today? Who remembered their pills?" After unloading, setting up the bar-b-que and remodelling the picnic area, we began to relax. Time didn’t seem important. Sheila ran around with her 35mm snapping everything and everyone. I tried holding my stomach in; that was fruitless and soon gave into the day. Kids were laughing, playing, building sand-castles and splashing in the cool water. They were peaceful sounds, innocent actions. We got involved right along with them. Competition became fierce in a game of horseshoes between: Norman, Russ, Ed and Wha hat happens to the soldiers that didn’t Ron. I have no idea who won, indeed if anyone did. Who cared? We were together, die during the battle? Are they expected to sharing a moment of our lives in happiness just carry on while the imprint of death is and carefree abandonment. It was then time stamped in their memories? Friends and to hit the cool, fresh water. Ed, Norm and companions lost forever, never to be myself actually swam, while Ron waded recaptured in the physical essence of life. around evading splashes. Tom and his Never to be forgotten by those who carry on. Page 5 A Condom by any other name . . . From the authors of The Great Cover-Up: A Condom Compendium (Civan, Inc.), Susan Zimet and Victor Goodman here are a few names for condoms you may not have heard! French Letter, Raincoat, Rubber, Baby Balloon, Balloon, Cabinet of Love, Diving Suit, English Hat, Envelope, Fearnought, Fish-skin, Frog, Grecian cap, Johnnie, Male Safe, Night Cap, Potent Ally, Rubber Duckie, Showercap, Safety Cap, Sweater, Shoe, Thimble, Thing, Very Tight Trousers. ujociety! Have we become so callous? Have we lost the sense of humanity that binds us together in this fight? What happens to the soldiers? Will they be forgotten or perhaps remembered for the strength with which they fought? Mankind will perhaps strive to reach a new plateau in his evolution, simply by understanding the full impact that AIDS has on society. Ronald H. Rogers Person Living With AIDS in Thunder Bay ReACT-Believe �Across Just a word in Spanish . 3. 4. 6. 8. 9. 11. 12. Unprotected sex and sharing needles are activities that involve_____ A term for describing needles and syringes for IV drug use. HIV is a_____ super___, bat___, spider___ HIV has to get into your_____to cause infection an object that doesn't transmit HTV When you're having sex,_____is the most effective barrier to prevent HIV transmission 13. an activity that could transmit HIV 14. a body fluid that carries HIV . . The AIDS Hotline offers services in French, Greek, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, and yes, in Spanish. The AIDS Hotline is a service of the Ontario Ministry of Health and is toll-free. Down call: 1-800-668-2437 1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 10. Monday - Saturday - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. French: 1-800-267-7432 TDD: 1-800-267-7712 the virus believed to cause AIDS street term for seminal emission slang for condom a kind of sex considered low risk for HTV transmission an effective means of greatly reducing HIV transmission a latex barrier for women to use for oral sex Greek - Tuesday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Spanish, Portuguese & Italian Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Chinese - Friday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Behold the turtle. He makes progress when he sticks his neck out. - James Bryant Conant ReACT-Believe In Thunder Bay you can call the AIDS Infoline at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay at 345-SAFE, that’s 345-7233. / -- Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. talk to our staff and volunteers. Afterhours and weekends listen to an informative taped message. You do not have to give your name. Page 6 �ACT-B Advisory Council Frod Ball Doug Broman Nicky Clark Joy Fedorick Mickey Hennessey John McDonald Mary McKenzie Mane Portier Eleanor Richardson Sieve Roede Director, Public Health Laboratory Producer, Thunder Gay Magazine Supervisor, PAG.H., Infection Control Educator & Native Advocate City Councillor Lawyer Coordinator, Palliative Care. McKellar Hospital Residential Care Worker Educator & TVO Regional Liaison Family Physician ACT-B Board of Directors David Belrose Deb While Norma Proctor Terry Bryant George Arnold Rick Atkinson Carl Gray Betty Kruzick John McDonald Jeanette Munshaw Barbara Reid President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director Director Director VIGIL to remember and support THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18,1990 7:30 P.M. ACT-E1 Staff Sheila Berry Ma-Nee Davis Darcia Kohuska Lawrence Korhonen Karen Maki Glenna McLeod Eileen Parker Michael Sobota candlelight Volunteer Coordinator Native AIDS Project Coordinator Education Coordinator Office Manager Fundraising Coordinator Suppon Services Coordinator Communications/Outreach Coordinator Executive Director ASSEMBLE AT 285 BAY ST FOR A SHORT, SILENT W TO THE UNITARIAN HALL Gallols' Revelation "If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a veiy expensive machine is somehow enobled and no one dares to criticize it" Please give us your feedback! Comments, concerns, compliments and criticisms about the newsletter, our publications, or about any aspect of the agency. You can phone or mail. You can remain anonymous if you wish. We’d like to know your comments in order to improve on weak points, and continue to deliver our strong points. Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have given us their comments. They are greatly appreciated. Goodbye Michael Chan Welcome Glenna! Michael Chan, a Board Member of ACT-B has left our agency to move to the salty air of Fredricton, New Brunswick. Michael is a founding member of ACT-B. He has been a Board member and has chaired our Personnel Committee and was Treasurer of the Executive Committee, and he’s even done BINGO! We will all miss him. Hi! Let me introduce myself. My name is Glenna McLeod and I am the new Support Services Coordinator. After only two weeks here at the committee, 1 feel like part of the family. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. To those of you I haven’t met, please come in and introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. Write to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B6E2 (807)345-1516 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eileen Parker, Editor, ReACT-Believe The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors cf the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. ^edicak ^formation offered by ReACT-Believe fshould be used with your own discretion. Pleasej&nsult.your doctor. y~ Page-7--;.- [This book] is a wonderful, entertaining approach to a serious subject. In this day and age of terrible epidemics, we have to find innovative ways to restore respect for the use of condoms. Perhaps the only way that hasn't been tried is by way of amusement. - Dr. Sol Gordon A limited number of copies of this funny little book are available. You can get one for only $6.00. Drop by our office at 285 Bay Street ReACT-Believe �Thank You! As a non-profit agency there are many individuals, groups and businesses that lend us a helping hand. We can’t name them all, but here’s a few who have done some things that are extra special in the last few months. We would like to extend them a big Thank You! * Thank you to all who volunteered their time and support for our successful Yard Sale. * Thank you for your donations. * Thank you, Japan Camera for the help with our photography needs. * Thanks to the Thunder Bay media, who help to get our message out to you. * Thank you to all those who helped for our Benefit Performance of Longtime Companion: Three’s Company Silk Flowers, Sweet Thursday Bookstore, Alliance Distributors, Cineplex/Odeon Theatres, Sean Mundy for the lovely music and to all the volunteers that provided us with a simply decadent Dessert Buffet! Native Outreach Outreach ’90 The first Northwestern Ontario Native Outreach Program will be taking place November 5-12. Free educational presentations on AIDS will be given in Kenora, Red Lake, Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout and Geraldton. These presentations are given in English and Ojibway. For more information about what day the program will be in your area contact Ma-Nee Davis at (807) 345-1516. The Eastern Tour of our 1990 Outreach Program took place September 17 - 30. Darcia Kohuska, our Education Coordinator delivered over 30 presentations. She visited Longlac, Geraldton, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Heron Bay, Mobert and Beardmore. She gave presentations to high schools, elementary schools, hospitals, agencies and Native groups. ACT-B has secured funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Trillium Foundation to implement the Outreach Program. The program responds to concerns voiced about the growing need for information about AIDS, from the smaller and more isolated communities in Northwestern Ontario. The Outreach Program establishes a liaison between ACT-B and the outlying communities to foster an exchange of information. These presentations are delivered free along with literature, videos and posters to all interested groups. For more information about upcoming Outreach Programs contact Eileen Parker, Outreach Coordinator at (807) 345-1516. * Thank you to Northern Crystal for providing the water cooler for our meeting of the Ontario AIDS Network. * Thank you to the students at P.A.C.I. for raising money for our AIDSupport Fund. * Thank you to Abitibi Provincial Mill for the donation of paper. * Thank you to Thunder Bay Restaurant and the Second Cup for using their locations for filming scenes for our video projects. * Thank you to MacLean Hunter Cable TV for the generous donations of their time, equipment, studios, knowledge and advice. See it on Channel 7... Kee-Way-Wln "Journey" A show on Native People & AIDS Tuesday, October 16, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 18,9 p.m. Sunday, October 21,2 p.m. aitarai Drug Dependency & AIDS * And last, but surely not least, a special thank you to all our volunteers who keep this agency going strong. PxACT-Believe Wednesday, October 18,8:30 p.m. Sunday, October21,11 a.m. Wednesday, October 31,8:30 p.m. Page 8 �TREATMENT This material is publishedfor the sole purpose of acquainting readers with the lastest developments in AIDS therapeutics. The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT• Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. AZT THEN AND NOW "HAVING HOPE WON'T GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL SURVIVE AIDS, BUT NOT HAVING HOPE SEEMS TO GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL SUCCUMB QUICKLY." - MICHAEL CALLEN The purpose of this article is to fuel that hope which Michael Callen speaks of. His physician, Dr. Joseph Sonnubend has suggested that earlier cases of AIDS were somehow sicker than those being diagnosed today. The following is an attempt to share with you current and past knowledge of one therapy....the therapy of AZ1DOTHYMIDINE ur AZT. These facts are in no way an attempt to sway die reader to prescribe for, or against AZT but to impart up to date study, observations and learning. Azidothymydine (AZT) is an anti viral drug which has been proven active against die Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV). Retrovir (AZT), the proprietary trade name of the generic term Zinovudine (AZT) was invented and developed over 25 years ago as a cancer chemodierapy, by Jerome Horwilz. It was shelved as being totally ineffective against cancer. AIDS is considered a condition of immune suppression caused by die HIV virus, replicating and eating its way into T-4 cells which are essential to the immune system. HIV is a retrovirus which contains an enzyme called reverse transcriptase which converts viral RNA to DNA. RNA & DNA are located within the T4 cells. The HIV virus takes over the T4 cells, causing replication to cease. In the early 1980’s when the AIDS epidemic began, drug companies around die world began studying hundreds of compounds looking for a cure or at least a treatment for AIDS. Burroughs Wellcome, a subsidiary of the British drug Page 9 company Wellcome, by chance sent die failed cancer drug, then known as Compound S to the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Sam Broder, head of the NCI, found that it inhibited HIV viral replication in vitro, (laboratory) A panel of 11 top AIDS doctors chaired by Dr. Itzhak Brook knew that die Burroughs Wellcome study was flawed and that long range effects of AZT were completely unknown. The panel were conferring in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) building in consideration of giving lightning quick approval of the drug. It was known that AZT did not stop deadi and that some who were switched in the study to AZT did die. The severity of the side effects was known. AZT is considered chemodierapy and patients receiving it needed blood transfusions. Around 4 pm. on a cold January day the panel recommended approval. AZT - one of the most toxic, expensive and controversial drugs in the history of medicine became the only FDA approved anti viral therapy. The data the company had produced proved it was prolonging life concluding dial the benefits clearly outweighed the risks. The most toxic effect of AZT is bone marrow suppression resulting in anemia. Burroughs Wellcome identified other side effects: loss of mental acuity, muscle spasms, rectal bleeding, tremors, headaches, pains in the neck and nausea. Anemia is the most common side effect, which is actually the depletion of red blood cells. According to Dr. Peter Duesberg; "Red blood cells are the one thing you cannot do without. Without red cells you cannot pick up oxygen." Several studies have concluded that AZT by itself has no effect on the two most common opportunistic AIDS infections - Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) and Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). Azidothymidine should be administered with caution if there is evidence AZT - one of the most toxic, expensive and controversial drugs in the history of medicine of Ever or kidney dysfunction. Despite the presence of AZT - HIV continues to replicate but at a reduced rate. According to the May 1989 issue of Treatment Update, an American physician reported the effects of AZT (200mg. every four hours) in six PLWA’s over a period of 15 months. Initially the patients responded well and were disease free for 9-15 months. After an interval they began to report increasing fatigue, loss of appetite and energy, sometimes low grade fever accompanied by night sweats. Upon examination, patients were found to be suffering from weight reduedon, muscle loss and fungal infections of the mouth. This evidence enforces the suspicion that the virus eventually becomes resistant to AZT. Die July/90 ATDS Treatment News #107 reported that HTV has been proven to mutate frequently. Some strains of mutation are resistant to AZT and can be found in patients who have never taken it. Resistance appears to increase with the amount of time one has taken the drug. Dosage has always been a chief concern and topic of contention between doctors, researchers, sciendsts and patients alike. There minimum effective dose has not yet been firmly established. What is known is that it was wrong from day one. In a 1989 Canadian ACT treatment study sponsored by Burroughs Wellcome, the recommended dosage was 1200 mg. daily consisting of two 100 mg. capsules every four hours day and night. Issue #4 (May 23/1986) of the "Treatment Update" publicadon, suggested that side effects could be dose rclaied. During the March, 1990 "State of die Art Conference on AZT Therapy for Early HIV Infection"; initiation of AZT was recommended for bodi Symptomatic and Asymptomatic HTV + individuals whose T4 cell counts were below 500. The daily recommended therapy was 500 mg. ACTG.019, a major American trial published its resultsin the New England Journal of Medicine, concluding dial 500 mg. was not only lower in toxicity but possibly more effective dian the 1500 mg.dosage. In April, the FDA changed the official "labelling" to include an optional dose reduction to 600 mg. per day after one month of a 1200 mg. daily dose. At the "VI International Conference", Dr. Marcus Conant, a practitioner who has treated AIDS and HIV since it was discovered said that Doctors were not seeing liver toxicity ReA CT-Believe �TREATMENT on the lower dose of 500-600 mg. daily and that about 1 % of patients with over 250 T-helper cells needed to stop AZT because of toxicity. A small study has shown effect at 300 mg. per day. This study is far from conclusive but it does suggest that people who have to lower their dosage because of side effects or use of other drugs which depress blood cell counts may still benefit. European data showed that it need not be administered every four hours. Currently, some physicians are prescribing 200 mg. every eight hours/600 mg. daily. Burroughs Welleome in its bid to have AZT, FDA approved, assured the medical panel that the drug was intended as a slop-gap measure for very sick patients. August 17 1989, the U.S. government announced that 1.4 million healthy HIV + Americans could benefit from the treatment, even though they show no symptoms of the disease. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Health after a two year trial declared, it was clearly shown that early intervention will keep AIDS at bay. In February 1990 AIDS Treatment News #96 reported; the FDA recommended early use of AZT, stating that the side effects are less of a problem if patients are healthier when they begin treatment particularly at the lower doses. There seemed to be less concern about viral resistance with early use and more positive thinking that the drug might be more effective at slowing the development of the disease if prescribed earlier. MUCH IS STILL UNKNOWN ABOUT THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF AZT. The drug continues to be controversial 3 1/2 years later. It has been studied throughout the world. By August of 1989, the use of the drug had spread to over sixty countries with an estimated 20,000 recipients. A great deal is known yet there remain unanswered questions. What are the long term effects of AZT? Arc there additional side effects not yet disclosed regarding toxicity and toleration? It is a fact that not all HIV infected people can take the drug, therefore who can or better yet, who cannot? Can AZT be discontinued without consequences? If so, under what circumstances and when? Azidothymidine is a chemotherapeutic drug. It does kill dividing blood cells and other cells, thus it is directly immunosuppressive. Only very few cells, about 1 in 10,000 are actively making the virus containing DNA, therefore, it must kill incredibly large numbers of cells to inhibit the virus. What arc the long term effects of that statement? How much damage is there in the bone-marrow? Is it repairable? Finally, what about resistance? On the other hand, AZT is prolonging life RcACT-Believe and buying time. It provides hope. Treatment for AIDS is possible. Scientifically, it does appear to help. People using AZT have lower incidences of opportunistic infections and with early therapy, blood transfusions are rare. Improvements in T4 cell counts are evident. Viral replication is impeded. CRYPTOSPOREDIOSIS (diarrhea) is clearing up. AZT is an antibiotic and an anti viral; therefore scientists are suggesting it may suppress certain bacterial infections for those taking the drug. There are improvements in neurologic functions; that is in memory, visual attention and motor functions, therefore, the quality of life is improved. A Dutch study has concluded AZT prevents the development of dementia with early intervention. There is no Canadian nor American confirmation on this report. This article has not covered AZT combinations. Doctors and researchers suggest this may be the wave of the future. Ask your doctor, educate yourself to the possible combinations. Use resource and educational facilities such as: ACT-B in Thunder Bay and ACT in Toronto. Possible combinations including a brief description are: I) ERYTHROPOIT1N (EPO + AZT) - used for AZT related anemia and bone marrow toxicity. This combination suggests the possibility that blood transfusions will no longer be required. It's usage is experimental at this stage, ii) Acyclovir (ACV + AZT) - There is nothing concrete that ACV is an anti viral but what is known are the positive results with the herpes virus. Ill) Probenecid (AZT + Probenecid) - This combination may result in higher blood levels which could produce stronger HIV supressing action, suggesting possible dose reductions. Iv) Vitamin E (AZT + Vitamin E) - appears to protect bone marrow from toxicity. Higher blood levels arc a possibility, v) Alpha Interferon (AZT + Alpha Interferon) - is currently approved for Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS). The side effects arc numerous. Data is incomplete and the combination may not be entirely useful. NOBEL PRIZE winner Walter Gilbert, states: There have always been drugs that we use without knowing exactly how they work. The really important thing to look at is the clinical effect. Is the drug helping or isn't it? POINTS TO PONDER: * If you have symptoms of AIDS or want to know if you carry the HIV virus, the most effective advice is perhaps the most difficult. GET TESTED 11 Find out your status and if you are positive, treatment of any kind including AZT can begin immediately. * People with below 500 T - Helper cells do better being treated with AZT than without it. *The minimum effective dose of AZT has not been firmly established. * Regular dosing at the prescribed intervals is essential. If you miss one, do NOT double up. * Doctors suggest AZT therapy be not stopped whenever possible as stopping can lead to increased HIV replication. * Your body is your temple. Watch what you put into it and be cautious of high fat meals. * Avoid swallowing AZT without something to wash it down. It is caustic enough to create esophagus ulcerations. * A largely dismissed but not conclusive fear is dial ASA (ACETOMINOPHEN) may alter the metabolism of AZT. OF INTEREST TO WOMENAND CHILDREN: * Women account for 6.9% of all reported AIDS cases. * Long term use and effect of AZT in pregnant women and nursing mothers is currently under study, therefore has not yet been determined. * It is not known if AZT is excreted in human milk. * Women, minorities, and IV drug users have been modestly represented in major AZT studies. * As of 1990, it has been determined thai AZT works the same in children as in adults, the same in women as in men. * In 1989 AZT became available in syrup form making it easier to administer to children. It became free of charge to those children who met certain medical requirements. REFERENCES: Surviving and Thriving with AIDS - Michael Calico VI IntnT Conference Overview from Marcus Conanl MD Treatment Update.... Various issues AIDS Treatment Newt...Variety of publications including issues 1 through 75 by John James An International Perspective on Treatments Medical News and Perspectives Spin Maqazinc - AIDS Words from the Pront • Celia Father Health Protection Branch - ISSUES BETA - Bulletin of Experimental Treatments For AIDS Burroughs Welleome Inc. - Canadian RETROVIR Treatment Study Page 10 �A LITTLE KNOWN VOLUNTEER Speak Up Little did I know, when I attended the OAN in Thunder Bay in July, that I would meet one of ACT-B’s "little known volunteers." I was billeted with the Ivan/s. Peter, Susan and their two sons collectively provided me with a comfortable, hospitable, and friendly visit. My fondest memory, however, relates to their son, Derek, the Tvany’s host-aunaturel. In the wee hours (i.e. 6:45 a.m.) of the Sunday morning of the conference, I tiptoed upstairs at the Ivan/s to iron a dress. Peter and Susan weren’t up to greet me (Odd isn’t it? Ironing is quickly becoming a dying art!), but Derek was. He greeted me in a somewhat shy manner and noted that I didn’t seem to have a beverage. He pulled his treasured Carnation Instant Breakfast out from the cupboard and asked whether I’d like one, naming the three available flavours. I told him I had never tried Instant Breakfast. He replied that they’re tasty as well as good for you. We decided that I should try chocolate (my all time favourite flavour). Derek's next action won my heart. You’ve heard the old adage, "the early bird gets its own breakfast?" Not this time! That’s right -- Derek himself made me breakfast! That’s a treat I have rarely experienced, mostly because no one ever gets up as early as I do, especially on Sunday mornings! Derek watched for my response. It WAS delicious, but I’m not sure whether the apparently sweet glow of satisfaction on my face had more to do with the smooth taste of the Instant Breakfast or the delight of being served up by this absolutely charming volunteer host. Future projections? Women Living With AIDS & HIV CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Through a Canada Arts Council grant, Darien Taylor and Beverly Rudd arc compiling an international anthology documenting the voices and visions of women living with AIDS and HIV. Submissions could include but arc not limited to: pages from diaries autobiographical material dreams fiction poetry letters to partners, parents, children etc... photographs drawings paintings cartoons essays tape recordings and anything else you could think of. Material submitted in languages other than English is welcome. Please send submission along with a brief biography and contact address by APRIL 1, 1990 to: 1. At any such time that I again dine on a Carnation Instant Breakfast, a sweet memory will surface. P.O. Box 471, Stn "C" Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6J3P5 2. ACT-B belter not let ibis. volunteer get away! .* range. Coil Dennis t" . sand eshod. ■64,500 96 repilty Ltd uy you 9 year ike, 20 , hos 2 mbino ..d r? ' _ i .- . 6> ~ __ WANTED SHOP building for lease 5000-10 000 sqfi 2 3 acres. Coll 155 Realtor Canada Reolty 75 WANTED ^ IARGF ' OP' Cheryl Opolko Chair, ACCKWA day Sept 4th 86 PERSONAL c. G., Limit "Thu Polar its ri« of de odjki Gene V eem k 4th er, 1 eziec ..tyw . im 10l »-0 T741 sr use ne on drive iams, xim -t s. !& •• city. I SINGLE X-V& for 2 be ferablywi. essential. ^ October/Nov THUNDFR BA rcP% on smoking w 'r&om aportmt ■hate occupo. -.er•Vilf « • iele <5 A Page U Please send copies to avoid possible damage. ASTROLOGY AND CARD READING. For individual ap­ pointments or house party. Call Frances at u. . \ rAnrs "r'‘D|NGS by A, -*■ parties in ' " for opAM- Iheryi ? Don't call ne irchos- fax: (416) 340-6521 call: (416) 594-1445 JiiG l?owo°M5l a telev Ov V J camert chine o, 9 •Mitre, .JO p.m. w- .ow available tor polm readina. ChanJ j upon request Appoir ..nts necessary______ * MONEY PROBLEMS? H by creditors? Thre<wage gamishme' credit relief. r tion. > j.. boar mo nan (jj er - * CJ AJUJ", IONJ / PROTECT- printed on 10Q% recycled paper RtACT-Bclieve � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 3 Issue 4 - Fall 1990 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2665/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no1.pdf 21a46e02d6f53e8cb6af07621ffc024a PDF Text Text ������������� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2665/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no1_2.pdf e150ccc664c59c3215d64338caf16e7e PDF Text Text �{Romance ACT-B Advisory Council Fred Ball Doug Broman Nicky Clark Joy FedoricK Mickey Hennessey John McOonald Mary McKenzie Mane Portier Eleanor Richardson Steve Roede Director, Public Health Laboratory Producer, Thunder Gay Magazine Supervisor, P.A.G.H., Infection Control Educator & Native Advocate City Councillor Lawyer Coordinator, Palliative Care, McKellar Hospital Residential Care Worker Educator & TVO Regional Liaison Family Physician zoitfi y Intelligence ACT-B Board ol Directors Kathryn Arnold Rick Atkinson Norman Bowers Joanne Books Terry Bryant Denyse Cuiligan Susan Ivany Gail llnkJater Jeanette Munshaw Diane Roberts Ron Rogere Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Before romance. Call the AIDS It\foline at 345SAFE (345-7233) and get the facts about AIDS and safer sex. ACT-B Stiff David Belrose Sheila Berry Lawrence Korhonen Karon Maki Glenna McLeod Eileen ParKer Calhy Powell Michael Sobota Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager Fundraising Coordinator Support Services Coordinator Communications/Outreach Coordinator Secretary Executive Director Gallois’ Revelation V Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m - 5 p.m talk to our staff and volunteers. V Afterhours and weekends listen to an informative taped message. You do not have to give your name. 'If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a very expensive machine is somehow enobled and no one dares to criticize it.' Please give us your feedback! Comments, concerns, compliments and criticisms about the newsletter, our publications, or about any aspect of V Outside Thunder Bay, call the Ontario Ministry of Health AIDS Hotline. It’s toll-free! English the agency. You can phone or mail. You can remain anonymous if you wish. We'd like to know your comments in order to improve on weak points, and continue to deliver our strong points. Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have given us their comments. They are greatly French: TDD: 1-800-668-2437 Monday to Saturday 10 cum. - 10 p.m Sunday - 12 p.m - 7 p.m 1-800-267-7432 1-800-267-7712 appreciated. Write to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B6E2 (807)345-1516 8:30 a.m. • 5:00 p.m. Eileen Parker, Editor, ReACT-Believe The opinions and medical information offered by ACT-B Dictionary ACT-B The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. A community-based AIDS Service Organization dedicated to confronting AIDS through prevention, support, education and advocacy. HIV AIDS ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered by ReACT-Believe PLWA Human Immunodeficiency Virus - the virus believed to cause AIDS. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - the immune system is disrupted by HIV leaving the body defenceless against opportunistic infections. Person Living With AIDS should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. HIV+ Having tested positive for HIV antibodies. �Anonymous Testing The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay supports anonymous testing and believes that anonymous testing is needed. Often people don’t get tested for HTV because they feel they don’t need the test or for fear of a lack of confidentiality. With the stigma surrounding AIDS and HTV infection, they don’t want everyone to know what their test results are, or that they have ever been tested. Confidential testing, which is the current avenue for testing in Ontario, allows for the testing site, the doctor and the public health department to know your name. If a person doesn’t want confidential testing, where does that leave them? - wondering if they are HIV+? Perhaps not getting the test or postponing it, which would delay vital early treatment, or, not worrying about it and if they are HIV+,i possibly spreading HIV to others. Often if people feel they must be tested, they will travel to Toronto for anonymous testing, or to Winnipeg or Duluth. In an article from the October 19, Globe & Mail, Ontario Health Minister Evelyn Gigantes said she supports anonymous testing for AIDS, as recommended in a report (H1V/A1DS: A Need For Privacy) by the Ontario government’s Information and Privacy Commission. A release from the Ontario Information and Privacy Commission states, "The major recommendations of the report are that anonymous testing be made available for HIV antibodies; and that partner notification be centred around the physician and the affected person." There is controversy surrounding anonymous testing. One side believes that the consequences of disclosing HIV/AIDSrelated personal information could be devastating. The other side cites issues around public interest such as notifying contacts that have been or are at risk, counselling the affected person, and medical research. Also from the Globe & Mail, "The report has been criticized by some medical health officers, but Ms Gigantes said she thought the commission ‘made the case (for anonymous testing) as fully and carefully as it can be made.’ ... she said it makes sense "intuitively" that fears of having their identity disclosed prevent some individuals from coming forward to be tested. ‘The social and economic penalties for a person suspected of even taking a test in our society are grotesque,’ she said in an interview. She said she has asked ministry officials to investigate ‘within a very short time’ ways to implement anonymous AIDS tests in the province." The Ontario Ministry of Health has agreed to establish a pilot study to research anonymous testing for HIV antibodies at multiple centres in Ontario. At this time, the sites and project coordinator have not been determined. Thunder Bay may be considered as a possible test site. " . . .with confidential testing the testing site, the doctor, and the public health department know your name." Anonymous Testing sites use only a secret code to identify you. The staff at the test site do not know your name. It is not possible for the laboratory, the doctor or the public health department to know who you are. Currently, in Ontario, Anonymous Testing is available only at the Hassle Free Clinic in Toronto. Men’s Clinic - (416) 922-0603. Women’s Clinic - (416) 922-0566. In Thunder Bay, confidential testing is available at the Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, 999 Balmoral St., Monday and Friday, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Call 625-5900. �If your Jim The other day I was asked to write what it was like to be a Person Living with AIDS in Thunder Bay. I’ve asked myself that same question but didn’t pursue an answer. The answer involves acceptance. In essence, that is what it is like; accepting. I do have an illness to which there is no cure and thus far is fatal. There is a certain amount of fear here. The question, although challenging is of benefit to my mental well-being. I continue to accept. To write down what it is like, is an expression for me, of feelings. Having AIDS has prodded me into getting in touch with these feelings and/or emotions. At the risk of sounding "insane"; being diagnosed HTV+ was the beginning of a crawl towards a quality of life which up to that crucial moment of self-affirmation, has been foreign to me. Feeling the way I do today did not come easy. To me it has been a process which includes: denial, self-loathing, rejection, blame, isolation, grief, terror and loneliness. My own diagnosis was not my initial introduction to AIDS. Approximately eight years ago, an acquaintance of mine simply seemed to be here and then wasn’t I knew a healthy successful and productive person. Whispers of fear went around my circle of friends. Did you know Randy died of AIDS? What is AIDS? I’m scared, but I won’t think about it It will never happen to me anyway!! Three years later the disease was at my doorstep. I came home one night late as usual, high as usual and my "Longtime Companion" told me he had AIDS. I cried such as I had never cried. I believe for another three years I was in some stage of shock, if not shock, certainly denial. I became a cold, self-seeking, isolated shell. I became self­ destructive. Suicide thoughts were common place and I wouldn’t talk, I mean talk about AIDS. It was like a headache; don’t think about it and it will go away. It never has. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and barely acknowledged it. I’ve actually lost count, if you can believe this, of how many people I’ve known personally who have died of AIDS. I was diagnosed about six months ago. I don’t wallow in fear of impending death: mine or my "Longtime Campanion’s." I suppose 1 now embrace life. That brings me back to the question. What’s it like to be a person living with AIDS in Thunder Bay? It’s difficult but I’m here by choice. I have a goal and as I stated, I’m crawling towards it I recall different time. My life will never be the same and that's O.K. It was truly not that great. My companion still lives in our home in Toronto. He’s coping, surviving and adjusting just as I. I’m lonely but not alone. I have a support network which I utilize, friends which I’m grateful for. I’m not happy but I’m far from being sad. My family is close, they love me. They lend their courage. My values are different. I appreciate the pace and natural beauty of Thunder Bay. I believe my life has a purpose; I’m not sure what it is. I possess fear but I’m not controlled by it. I survive, that’s what I do best. When I’m at my lowest. I’m not afraid to ask for help. I'm not afraid to ask someone to listen to me, to hug me, to love me. All I want really is to be allowed to live. That’s what it is and what I am: a PERSON LIVING with AIDS in Thunder Bay. ....Jim organization would like to receive posters, pamphlets, brochures, educational packages and our quarterly newsletter, write or call ACT-B from anywhere in Northwestern Ontario. You can also request .as an organization or individual to receive our newsletter only. Please specify if you wish to receive your mail in a plain envelope. Call (807) 345-1516. A volunteer position is now open for the position of Treatment Issues Coordinator. Duties will include: preparing the Treatment Section of ReACT-Bclieve - 2 pages, 4 times per year. This will involve finding articles to reprint from treatment focused newsletters, possibly researching new treatment articles, requesting article submissions from volunteers and doing design and layout for the treatment section. Typing skill is an asset. Training and resources will be provided. This position will report to the Communications Coordinator. Call Eileen Parker at 345-1516, Monday to Wednesday. —> ACT-B’s Native Outreach Tour travelled to Geraldton, Sioux Lookout, Kenora and Red Lake. Presentations were given in Ojibway and English along with videos, posters and pamphlets geared for Native people. For information about resources available specifically for Native people contact ACT-B at (807) 345-1516. �A Support Group is available for those living with HIV and AIDS. They meet every Thursday evening in a confidential atmosphere. A Support Group is also available for family, friends, partners and caregivers of those living with HIV and AIDS. They meet the second and last Wednesday of each month. Both groups are facilitated by professional counsellors, and provide a supportive environment for discussions. Oral Polio & IITV infection by Eileen Parker Babies and children given the oral polio vaccination can pose a threat to those with AIDS or HIV infection. The oral polio vaccination contains a dose of live 'attenuated polio virus that the child takes orally. The live virus is excreted in the child’s feces for up to several weeks (in rare cases up to 2 months). In an interview with Dr. Joan Don, she said that being HTV positive does not necessarily mean that the person’s immune system has broken down enough to be susceptible to the polio virus. As a precaution, she recommends that people who have HIV infection or AIDS, or who are otherwise immune compromised should avoid household or similar close contact for up to 4 weeks after immunization. Children shed the virus for a longer period if it is their first immunization. The period for viral shedding decreases with subsequent immunizations. Dr. Don also advises that if a child will be in contact with someone who is immune deficient, the child should receive IPV (inactivated polio vaccine) rather than OPV (oral polio vaccine). Don’t avoid caring for cute little kids, but it may be wise to ask the parent if the child has received the oral polio vaccine recently, and/or consult your physician. If you are a parent with HIV or AIDS, consult your physician when it’s time for your child’s "shots". * Attenuated - a live vinis that has lost its ability to cause clinical illness, but it can still "infect". It causes a strong immune response. What are Support Groups? 99One day out of the week when you don't feel so alone." ft A place where you can go and be yourself - there are no barriers , you can be open. It-, < n I m not the only one. H "Those who aren't HIV+ don't really understand what I'm going through9 9 "a place to seek the support and friendship of others on our journey to overcome the day to day implications of AIDS.9 9 99A place where fear can be diminished somewhat through the caring of fellow group members.9 9 For more information call the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay office at 345-1516. ALL ENQUIRIES ARE CONFIDENTIAL. Support Services are available for those living with HTV and AIDS, and their families, friends, partners and caregivers. Individual, family, and group counselling is available through the AIDS Committee. Referrals can be made to other counselling services available in the city. Practical support is available for daily tasks such as housekeeping, transportation, cooking and shopping. AC7T-D volunteers provide practical support when requested. Short term financial assistance is available for emergency needs; such as medication, food, rent, or other necessities. ACT-B can then help to access sources of income to meet these needs in the future. Advocacy is provided on a person’s behalf. When you are HTV+ or have AIDS, you may be discriminated against by your employer, welfare, an insurance company, your landlord or others. We can provide information and referrals to ensure that your rights are not violated. To access Support Services call Glcnna at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Buy uL 345-1516. ALL ENQUIRIES ARE CONFIDENTIAL. �October 1990, by Sean Hosein. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay does not treatments) or therapy described in ReACT-Believe. accept the risk of, or responsibility for, any damages arise or result, either from use or reliance on the herein. Persons relying on the information provide professional. AZT versus THA: results from France look promising for THA As HIV is known to infect brain cells (Science 1990;249:549-553), it is not surprising that in advanced HIV disease, brain damage can occur. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, in which dementia also occurs, researchers suspect that a virus is at the root of the problem, and have used the drug THA (Tcirahydroaminoacridine or Tacrine) in experiments on subjects with Alzheimer’s disease with some beneficial effects. Scientists think that THA may also be of use in treating the memory loss and other neurologic complications that occur in some patients with AIDS. Results of THA trials in France were reported in Treatment Update #10, but at that time were based on only 2 months of the trial. The researchers now have released the findings of their 7-month study. The trial, at l’Hopital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, and l’Hopital de l’UniversiuS Internationale, Paris, involved 62 males and 8 females. Sixty-two subjects had ARC. Forty-five subjects took AZT (either by itself or in combination with TGA, and in doses between 600 to 1200 mg/day);25 subjects took THA (by itself or in combination with AZT, and in doses between 150 to 250 mg/day). Eighteen subjects took only THA, and 19 subjects took only AZT. Subjects took AZT for an average of 27 weeks and TGA for an average of 24 weeks. Seven subjects died in the AZT group, while none died in the THA group, a statistically significant result. Sustained decreases in HTV p24 antigen were seen in the TGA group, along with sustained increased in the CD4+(T4) cell count. The incidence of opportunistic infections was greater in those on AZT than in those on TGA. VI International Conference AIDS, San Francisco, 1990 abstract SB 457. It is not clear why the results from the UK differ from those from France, but the French trial is known to be using ultra-pure THA (purified by the Synthese et Recherche company in Anthony, France) and this may account for the difference. In the USA, THA is made by Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals (Morris Plains, New Jersey), which is said to be seeking "Treatment IND" status (investigational new drug) for the drug from the FDA. In Canada, THA is made by Pharmascicnce (Montreal) under the brand name Alzyme in 25 mg capsules. AZT: viral resistance has serious implications for early intervention As larger numbers of HIV-infected people have begun to use AZT, limits to its usefulness have become more apparent. One of the major factors affecting its efficacy is the development of strains of HIV which are resistant to doses of AZT that can be tolerated by humans. At the University of California (San Diego), research on AZT resistance has been taking place for the past 2 years; scientists have found that virus from 42 HIV-infected subjects who had no prior exposure to AZT was susceptible to inhibition by AZT. Virus taken from 31 subjects with AIDS or advanced ARC developed resistance more quickly than virus taken from people with earlier-stage HIV disease. This was a statistically significant difference. After 1 year of AZT administration, nearly 90% of people with late-stage HIV disease (AIDS/advanced ARC) had HIV which was resistant to AZT. This was contrasted with the group who had earlier-stage HIV disease, in which only 31% of the subjects were resistant to the virus. A lower CD4+ cell count was predictive of the chance of resistant strains of HIV emerging with 1 year of AZT use. People with CD4+ counts of less than 100 cells had an 89% chance, with CD4+ cells in the range of 100-400 a 41% chance, and with more than 400 cells, a 27% chance of developing resistant strains of HIV within 1 year. The emergence of AZT-resistant HIV appeared sooner in subjects who were on very high-dose AZT (1200 to 1500 mg/day) than on lower doses (500 to 600 mg/day). Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 1990;3(8):743-746. AZT: Early Intervention in Canada & the USA results in no difference in disease progression Canadian physicians/investigators have conducted a long-term study of AZT intervention in subjects with early-stage HIV disease. All 74 subjects were asymptomatic and were matched to a group of similar controls who did not receive AZT. The 74 subjects were given a schedule of increasing doses of AZT: 600 mg/day for 10 weeks, 900 mg/day for 9 weeks, and then 1200 mg/day for 9 weeks. This was followed by a "wash-out" period of 6 weeks, after which subjects were given either 1200 mg/day or the next highest dose of AZT they were able to tolerate. The difference in rates of disease progression between the two groups was not statistically significant VI International Conference AIDS, San Francisco 1990 oral presentation THB 18. To determine the effect of AZT on the "functional status and well-being" of subjects with early ARC, researchers at the University of California conducted a study of 71 subjects in a placebo-controlled trial of AZT (1200 mg/day). Their results show that after 6 months, most scores on function and quality of health had improved for the placebo group while some scores had declined for the experimental arm (AZT group) compared to values at study entry. These differences were statistically significant. Over the following 6 months, subjects on AZT declined less than those on placebo. By the 12th month, values for both groups were similar to pre-trial scores VI international Conference AIDS, San Francisco, 1990 oral presentation THB 19. . �rMENT mmend> advocate or endorse the use of any particular he AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay therefore, does not osts or consequences of any kind whatsoever which may madon contained herein, or due to any errors contained lust do so at their own risk. Please consult your health HGP-30: Vaccines as Therapy One of the reasons HIV may be able to subvert the body’s immune system is that different components of HIV resemble various components of the body; parts of the vims are thought to be similar to certain hormones, antibodies, and growth factors. As antibodies are produced against HIV, they may also "cross-react", or attack the components of the body which resembles HIV. Some scientists think that if an anti-HIV vaccine is given to people, the anti-HIV antibodies produced as a result of the vaccination might also attack the body. Medical Hypotheses 1990;31:155-156. However, in 2-year trials of the Salk HIV vaccine, most of the subjects do not appear to be suffering any ill effects as a result of having been vaccinated. In most subjects, the vaccine appears to have halted the further decline of their immune systems. In the next issue of Treatment Update we will report on progress in vaccine development and testing, including the Salk HIV vaccine, as well as on research taking place in England, France and Zaire. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute and George Washington University have developed a synthetic molecule--called HGP-30-which mimics pl7 and p24, the core proteins of HIV. Antibodies produced against HGP-30 attack pi7 and p24 as well. In experiments with rabbits immunized with HGP-30, high levels of antibodies against HGP-30 do not appear to cause any ill effects. In laboratory experiments, these antibodies effectively neutralize HIV. Tests with 19 non-HIV infected human volunteers show that immunization with HGP-30 causes the production of antibodies to pl7 and/or p24. The vaccine was not associated with any toxicity. Another advantage of this vaccine is that it appears to activate CD8+(T8+) cells. These cells play an important role in controlling HIV infection, and Norwegian researchers have found that CD8+ cells produce a novel anti-viral substance. It is thought that this vaccine may boost the levels of antibodies to the core proteins in HIV-infected people and may thus serve as a form of therapy, delaying progression to AIDS. Plans arc under way in California to implement phase I trials of HGP-30 in HTV-infected subjects later this year. VI International Conference AIDS, San Francisco, 1990 oral presentation SA76. The Thymus Gland and HTV The thymus gland, located in the chest, plays an important role in the development of certain white blood cells, helping them to mature into various types of T-cells. The gland also acts as a storage centre for T-cells, and releases hormones which affect the immune system. Because the immune deficiency seen in AIDS is similar to that seen in children with rare thymus disorders, early in the 1980s researchers began to investigate the functioning of the thymus gland in people with HIV infection. French researchers have found that subjects with advanced HTV infection have low levels of a thymic hormone called thymulin. Also, American and Danish researchers have found abnormalities in thymic hormone production in subjects who were HIVinfected but who did not have AIDS. Initially, they thought that they found eleveated levels of the thymic hormone thymosin-alspha, in their subjects. Further investigation revealed that these subjects had high levels of an inner or core protein of HIV (called pi7) in their blood. Parts of pl7 resemble thymosinalpha and their detection systems treated the two substances as one. Actual levels of thymosin-alpha are decreased in subjects with HIV infection. At autopsy, the thymus glands from people with AIDS are often reduced in size and appear to be damaged. Some of this damage may be due to direct infection by HIV. However, there may be another mechanism whereby HIV infection results in thymus damage. As previously mentioned, part of hIV, pi7, resembles part of the crucial thymic hormone thymosinalpha. When antibodies are produced against this HIV product, it is likely that they attack not only HIV but also thymosinalpha and possibly the thymus gland as well. Indeed, at autopsy, the thymus glands from people with HIV infection have the appearance of glands which have come under severe attack by antibodies. Science 1986;232:1135-1137. Further work on pi 7/thymosin connection has resulted in the development of an anti-HIV vaccine called HGP-30. More info The ACT-B Resource Centre Library keeps articles, fact sheets, research studies, newspaper clippings and newsletters containing treatment information. We also subscribe to specific treatment information newsletters with the latest information on AIDS & HIV treatments. This information is available to everyone, health care professionals, those with HIV or AIDS, students, agencies, caregivers, and anyone with an interest in AIDS and HIV infection. The Resource Centre Library is located at 285 Bay Street �RU AIDS Awsumf As Communications Coordinator with ACT-B, the question that I am most often asked by reporters is, "How many people have AIDS in Thunder Bay?". People want statistics. They want them because they want to know if they arc at risk of getting AIDS. There is AIDS in Thunder Bay. Yes, you may be at risk. A main reason is because perhaps you think that you’re (pardon the pun) immune to AIDS because you’re not in a "high risk group". There are no high risk groups, only high risk behaviours. Having sex without a condom is a high risk behaviour. When discussing AIDS and condom usage I have heard "We don’t have to worry about that We’re married.", "I won't get AIDS because I’m with one partner.", "I don’t have to use condoms. My girlfriend is really nice.", "He only had one girlfriend before me.", "We don’t use them. We’ve been going out for four months." It only takes once to get HIV (the virus believed to cause AIDS). The virus doesn’t take into account how much you’re in love, how nice your partner is, how nice you are or how long you’ve been married. You can’t tell if a person has HIV by looking at them. A person can be perfectly healthy (for years!) and be carrying HIV. The person may not know they have the virus. Well, we’ve established that anyone may be at risk. Will you use a condom? I’ve heard a common statement, "Na, I don’t like those things." (This coming from a person who wears a seatbelt, quit smoking, and is getting back in shape). Using condoms is an essential part of maintaining good health. I have also heard another disturbing statement, "Yeah, she carries condoms, I’ll go for her." The guy that said this was implying that a woman who has condoms must be "easy". There is a big error in his thinking here. Consider this - if your partner doesn’t use condoms with you, chances are they haven’t used them with other people either. Also, if this person goes to the bar and gels drunk or stoned, it’s not very likely that they’re being safe and making sure they’re using condoms at 2 in the morning. If your partner insists that condoms be used, chances are that this person is responsible and is caring for his or her health. I’d choose the person who uses condoms. Oh yes, the original question, "How many people have AIDS in Thunder Bay?" How many people who have it is not the issue. There is no way of accurately measuring the number of people that carry HIV. We do know that there are people living with AIDS and HTV in Thunder Bay and that number is growing. Call the AIDS Infolinc - 345-SAFE that a vaccine for HIV will be discovered within the next few years. 2 T F HIV and AIDS are the same thing. 3 T F You can tell by looking at someone, whether they have HIV infection. 4 T F Prostitutes often pass HIV to their "customers". 5 T F Once you know someone better, you don’t have to keep using condoms. ®TF Education about HIV and AIDS needs to be only for gay and bisexual men and IV drug users. 7 T F Testing for HIV antibodies is available in Thunder Bay. 8 T F HIV can not be transmitted by sharing food or drink with someone who has HIV. 9 T F You are at risk by working with someone with AIDS or HIV. J0TFA common way of contracting HIV is through your dentist. 11 T F Mosquitoes don’t carry HIV. 12 TF People with AIDS and HIV can have a healthy sex life. �RU AIDS Amur®? As Communications Coordinator with ACT-B, the question that I am most often asked by reporters is, "How many people have AIDS in Thunder Bay?". People want statistics. They want them because they want to know if they arc at risk of getting AIDS. There is AIDS in Thunder Bay. Yes, you may be at risk. A main reason is because perhaps you think that you’re (pardon the pun) immune to AIDS because you’re not in a "high risk group". There are no high risk groups, only high risk behaviours. Having sex without a condom is a high risk behaviour. When discussing AIDS and condom usage I have heard "We don’t have to worry about that We’re married.", "I won't get AIDS because I’m with one partner.", "I don’t have to use condoms. My girlfriend is really nice.", "He only had one girlfriend before me.", "We don’t use them. We’ve been going out for four months." It only takes once to get HIV (the virus believed to cause AIDS). The virus doesn’t take into account how much you’re in love, how nice your partner is, how nice you are or how long you’ve been married. You can’t tell if a person has HIV by looking at them. A person can be perfectly healthy (for years!) and be carrying HIV. The person may not know they have the virus. Well, we’ve established that anyone may be at risk. Will you use a condom? I’ve heard a common statement, "Na, I don’t like those things." (This coming from a person who wears a seatbelt, quit smoking, and is getting back in shape). Using condoms is an essential part of maintaining good health. I have also heard another disturbing statement, "Yeah, she carries condoms, I’ll go for her." The guy that said this was implying that a woman who has condoms must be "easy". There is a big error in his thinking here. Consider this - if your partner doesn’t use condoms with you, chances are they haven’t used them with other people either. Also, if this person goes to the bar and gets drunk or stoned, it’s not very likely that they’re being safe and making sure they’re using condoms at 2 in the morning. If your partner insists that condoms be used, chances are that this person is responsible and is caring for his or her health. I’d choose the person who uses condoms. Oh yes, the original question, "How many people have AIDS in Thunder Bay?" How many people who have it is not the issue. There is no way of accurately measuring the number of people that carry HIV. We do know that there arc people living with AIDS and HIV in Thunder Bay and that number is growing. Call the AIDS Infoline - 345-SAFE that a vaccine for HIV will be discovered within the next few years. 2 T F HIV and AIDS are the same thing. 3 T F You can tell by looking at someone, whether they have HIV infection. 4 T F Prostitutes often pass HIV to their "customers". 5 T F Once you know someone better, you don’t have to keep using condoms. 6 T F Education about HIV and AIDS needs to be only for gay and bisexual men and IV drug users. 7 T F Testing for HIV antibodies is available in Thunder Bay. 8 T F HIV can not be transmitted by sharing food or drink with someone who has HIV. 9 T F You are at risk by working with someone with AIDS or HIV. J0TFA common way of contracting HIV is through your dentist. 11 T F Mosquitoes don’t carry HIV. 32 TF People with AIDS and HIV can have a healthy sex life. �"United we Deliver." stand... Together we Dedicated to those whom I have met in Thunder Bay. can And I will sense your hearts of love. Your friendship I will not regret. For these are the times, Lest -1 will not forget. And when it’s my time that will come. I will leave with dignity, and pride... and this I pray. v "As she sings her song, She dances to create the circle. As we three, we sit as one. Together, we prayed of life's obstacles. And as we clasped our hands we became strong." When the music had played. I too fell the notes of its serenity of the mountains. While the strengths of the trees as they danced and swayed. It was a time for my reflections. While in my silence., quietly I prayed. "Oh! Great Spirit," I am one of many, who also shares my challenges of my tomorrows. I will share the walk of silence. And perhaps will feel many spirits of sorrows. I carry this illness, it is no coincidence. And I believe this was given by choice. I am an Indian, who is HIV positive. But I am not alone. For there are many that will stand with me to live, And while I will continue to travel, Far up in the skies above, I will feel your eyes, "Dear Grandfathers" Look down and guide them well. Smile down on these. Whose hearts are courageous and strong. For the heart is like a rose, Once it is in bloom. You can feel its beauty. Have faith and the world will see, Your love and your care Will carry you as you will prepare. For a better tomorrow as your brightest destiny. This will be your reward. My dear Brother and Sister "United we stand... Together we can deliver!" And if by chance you look above Watch for a certain bird. For it is me in spirit of Ken Ward. For this I pray. To me new friends of a unique family of the staff, members, volunteers of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. With my sincerest love, Ken Ward "Feather of Hope" Good-bye and Hello This will be the last message from me, as a member of the Board of Directors of ACT-B. Since the founding in early 1986,1 have been a part of this agency, and have seen it grow, often slowly, sometimes rapidly, until its present state. It will be strange not to be part of the board any longer. However, beginning my new responsibilities as Education Coordinator is exciting and challenging. 1 look forward to waking with everyone in my new role within the agency. It will be difficult to live up to the expectations generated by the work that Darcia has done, and.I want to thank her both as President of the Board, and as her replacement, for her significant contribution to the development of this agency. So, good-bye to everyone from the President of the Board of Directors, and hello from the Education Coordinator. David Belrose At the November Annual General Meeting, memben of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay voted in a new Board Director*. Our new board members, Kathryn Arnold, Joanne Books, Norman Bowers, Denyse Culligan, Susan Ivany, Gail Linklater, Diane Roberts and Ron Rogers. Our returning board members are Rick Atkinson, David Belrose (who has since become our new Education Coordinator), Terry Bryant and Jeanette Munshaw. We would like to welcome all of you and look forward to working with you in the coming year. �Time to lend a Hand AIDS & The Human Rights Code The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination against people with HIV. This includes all those who have AIDS or who have tested positive for HIV, whether they show symptoms or not. The Code also prohibits discrimination agsinst people who are believed to have HIV, as well as those who associate with them. Here are some examples of discrimination: | If you have been denied a job, dismissed or demoted because you have AIDS/HIV, or because someone thinks you do, and you can still do that job; | If you have been required to undergo an HIV-antibody test at an employment medical or have been asked whether you have AIDS or HIV at an employment interview; | If you have been denied accommodation because you have, or are believed to have, AIDS/HIV; ■ If you have been denied service by a store, restaurant, theatre, club, government agency, insurance company, hospital, dentist’s or doctor’s office, or other such provider of services, goods and facilities because you have, or are believed to have, AIDS/HIV; | If you or your child have been denied permission to attend school because you or your child have, or is believed to have, AIDS/HIV, or if you or your child have been asked to take a HIV-antibody test as a condition of admission; | If you have been harassed at work by your superiors or co-woikers, or by your landlord, building superintendent or other tenants in your building, because you have, or are believed to have, AIDS/HIV; If you have experienced any of these situations or others please get in touch with the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Support Services department at 345-1516, or contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission at (807) 623-9119. You may be able to file a complaint It is your right to be protected against discrimination because you have, or are believed to have AIDS/HIV. You do not need a lawyer or have to pay a fee to anyone in order to file a complaint. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay offers advocacy and support, and referrals if needed, in cases of discrimination. Between November, 1986, and October, 1987, Statistics Canada surveyed people over 15 who performed volunteer work such as fund-raising, canvassing, providing information or organizing events: - 5.3 million people, 27 per cent of the adult population, volunteered at least once. - More than one billion hours of time were donated, equivalent to half a million full-time jobs. - Some people worked for several causes. On average, 3.7 hours a week were donated. - Albertans were most likely to volunteer (40 per cent); residents of Quebec least likely (19 per cent). - Women were more likely to volunteer almost 6 in 10. - Volunteering increased with age, to a peak of 36 percent for people between 35 and 44. - People in large metropolitan centres were less likely to volunteer: Montreal (17 per cent), Toronto (21), and Vancouver (23). Western centres were the exception, however, with Saskatoon, for example, having a 44 per cent participation rate. Source: Globe &. Mail. July 23, 1990 (ACT-B has over 100 volunteer!!) _^Kneacc Bye Dar, With fond memories we say goodbye to Darcia as our Education Coordinator. A new job will take her to the jungle of downtown Toronto, and off to the wilds of Northern Ontario. Darcia will still be involved with ACT-B in the future as a volunteer serving on the Education Committee. We miss you and wish you the greatest of success and happiness, AND STOP IN AND VISIT! OKAY! - the staff and volunteers of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay # �Volunteer Training: "Who needs it, anyway?" Without a doubt, most everyone acts in a volunteer capacity for an agency or organization. Let me expand on this. As volunteers, wc are representatives of our organization. In the public eye, we are seen as reflections of an agency’s standards and philosophy. Even when wc arc not volunteering at an event, people still associate us with that group. Therefore our behaviour should represent a responsible volunteer of that agency. Training therefore should cover basic points; the history of the organization, its mandate, goals, general policies and procedures for volunteers, basic HIV infection and AIDS information, sociological, psychological, and biological aspects of HIV and AIDS and related issues. Volunteer training is given to educate at the entry level. In six hours, highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals present facts. Facts dispel myths. From there, volunteers take this information out into the community. These facts are presented, complete with that old technique - humour. We always joke about things that we feel uncomfortable talking about; sex, death, racism, sexuality, suicide, and on and on. There is much to accomplish in such a short time, yet much is accomplished. Each person who has gone through the orientation should understand the AIDS Committee better, should be aware of HIV infection and AIDS, should know that they will be working with people who respect the rights of others, should be prepared to uphold the concept of confidentiality, should have a sense of humour and know how and when to have fun. Beyond the basic orientation, we are in the process of developing specialized training for those volunteers who have indicated their interest in working specifically in the support services area of our committee. Knowledge and training give us a level of comfort around sensitive and cloudy issues. That’s why it’s so important Sheila Berry Volunteer Co-ordinator AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Thanks Volunteers! d <o Without you Stage One: ACT-B My wife and I had the pleasure of attending the Volunteer Orientation to ACT-B on Sept. 22nd at the Thunder Bay Yacht Club. We were warmly welcomed by Sheila Berry, Volunteer Co-ordinator, who broke the icc and set the stage for our introduction to ACT-B. As prospective volunteers, Sheila took this opportunity to outline the various duties we might perform and to reassure us that we would be expected to perform only those duties which were personally suitable to our nature and schedule. She also emphasized the need for reliability, responsibility and confidentiality among the members in order to provide and maintain an effective level of service. In other words a chain is only as strong as its weakest link and we volunteers "links" are to strengthen the chain and lighten the load. The next portion of the program was covered by Michael Sobota, Executive Director, who gave a basic overview of who and what ACT-B is and how it relates to the networking efforts on a provincial, national and global level. Michael also provided a historical and educational "AIDS 101" mini-course on AIDS and HTV infection - Complete with a question and answer period wc could have continued for days. The program was rounded out with a touching and thought provoking video entitled AIDS: A Family Experience. This real life drama provided the basis for an in-depth group discussion which enabled us to look within ourselves and share personal views with other group members. At this point I think we had become ACT-B volunteers,'but hadn’t yet realized it You are presently reading my first volunteer contribution to ACT-B and although I am a slow study I hope to contribute further to this worthwhile effort. I thank my wife for bringing me along to the orientation and ACT-B for providing me with a very enjoyable day and a free lunch to boot!! Craig Davis ACT-B Volunteer we’d be . . . Yeah Cathy! A dream come true. Cathy Powell is our new secretaryl Ya-hool She's already whipped us into shape • Where are you going? Let me know if you’re taking calls. Jane Doe was looking for you. Did you mark what time you’ll be back? When’s that postage machine coming? Get off my typewriter. When she isn’t whipping us into shape, she’s making us smile, and our visitors feel welcome. Welcome Cathy. Answers from RU Aware questionnaire. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. False False False False False False 7. True 8. True 9. False 10. False 11. True 12. Tme Number of correct answers 12 - bravo, you’re pretty aware 6-11 - you’re average aware less than 6 - you're not very aware If you got less than 12 contct answers or want more information, call the AIDS Infoline at 345-7233. �The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay gratefully acknowledges all the businesses and organizations that supported our educational message in the Chronicle Journal for World AIDS Day. Bay Credit Union Iain Angus, MP Manitoba Pool Elevators McKellar General Hospital MDS Laboratories Spadoni Bros. Thunder Bay Art Gallery Thunder Bay District Health Council Thunder Bay District Health Unit UTDC Inc. Can-Car Works Thank you to all the people, organizations, and businesses that supported and worked together to make AIDS Awareness Week a success. AIDS Awareness Week Steering Committee ACT-B volunteers Ashley Wright Beatrice Foods Canada Games Complex Confederation College Fitness Centre Country Seed Planters Designs On You Executive Suite Fun Run Volunteers Japan Camera Jeanne Edwards Ken Ward Landale Gardens MacLean Hunter Community Programming Magnus Theatre Mayor Jack Masters McDonald’s Pat Fenlon Petals ’n Pots Port Arthur General Hospital Robin’s Donuts Salon of Beauti Shelley Wark-Martyn MP Sunspun Foods Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Valhalla Inn Thank you to the Thunder Bay Foundation for the generous donation. primed on recycled paper Writers & Readers Write Would you like to try your hand at writing? Would you like to learn how? You can write articles for ReACT-Believe. We can assign stories or you can run your ideas past us. If you’ve ever wanted to write an article or an editorial, call me, Eileen Parker at 345-1516. News Flash From the North Pole!! (Bay St. Affiliate) Santa’s Helpers - disguised as polar bears delivered Christmas baskets filled with goodies to our friends living with HTV and AIDS. A great big bear thank you goes out to the following businesses for sharing and caring in the true spirit of the festive season. Fanny’s Fabrics - Netting and ribbon Kemp Fisheries - Wild Rice Northco Foods (Robin’s Donuts) - free coffee & donuts Safeway (Court St.) - a variety of fresh fruit Second Cup (Keskus) - tea & coffee ACT-B volunteers & staff added a loving touch to the baskets in the form of a fuzzy wuzzy teddy bear. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 4 Issue 1 - Winter 1991 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2666/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no2.pdf 9559106331ff5a59608b1253539afd43 PDF Text Text ������������ https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2666/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no2_2.pdf 86214235e2275663e7ba57d0b4968f8b PDF Text Text ReACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay newsletter Spring 1991, Volume IV, Issue II AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 (807) 345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE : KEEWAYWIN (Journeys) AIDS in the First Nations HR a HrfhgfSifSiijj. i.: The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is pleased to I :. 1 offer the first video produced in Northwestern Ontario. specifically developed for use by First Nations i communities. The video may provide basic AIDS information, create a climate of tolerance and understanding, and promote discussion about issues surrounding AIDS. KEEWAYWIN has received an enthusiastic response. A facilitator’s guide accompanies the video. The video can be ordered on a cost recovery basis of $20 per copy. Order form on page 9. KEEWAYWIN is available for free on loan at the ACT-B Resource Centre Library at 285 Bay Street. �Smoking & HIV - AIDS Calgary It has been reported at the San Francisco Conference that there is a need I to take smoking into account when monitoring HIV-infected individuals. .More study is needed to confirm what type of relationship exists between smoking and HIV progression. There is' mounting evidence that tobacco is an immuno-suppressive. Quitters have been shown to .have higher levels of immunoglobulin and NK (natural killer Shells) cell activity. Second hand smoke and short term smoking among nonsmokers does not seem to have the same iramuno-suppressive effects as chronic smoking\However the effects of second hand smoke-on people with chronic ^broncho pulmonary disease and coronary heart-disease is great, not to mention the - effect of smoke-filied rooms on allergenic individuals and others hyper-sensitive to cigarette smoke. Such rooms can have levels of carboij monoxide greater than air pollutions standards. Smoking also effects the rate of metabolism^(accelerated) and\ the phartnocodynamics\^ffcct within ythe body) of drugs us^ mV^he treatment of various disorders. Xjhis^quld^cause^ In nnour u/hon toxic ity\tooccur when omnlinn smoking oaococ ceases ’ such as wfiertameis hospitalized or sincenicotine can recluce^e blood flow to the skin, absorption rates may be slowed, and lead to further complication. Overall, physicians may need to adjust doses or select different medications in patients who are cigarette smokers. In conclusion, it must be noted that the physiology of the body is not designed to handle tobacco smoke. The effect alone on the lungs is striking. One cigarette will slop the cilia in the lungs for 20 minutes or more, from performing the task of keeping the air passages free of foreign material. Cigarette smoking increases the amount of mucus produced in the bronchial tree and interferes with the uptake of oxygen in the respiratory system. This along with a decreased oxygenation in the red blood cells can only further compromise the immunosuppressed individual with HIV. - by David C. Burke Koffee Klatsch ’To talk about HIV/AIDS issues, whether or not you are HIV*" Koffee Klatsch is held every 2nd Thursday. The location is confidential, You can call Glenna, our Support Services Coordinator at 345-1516. "an environment of unspoken understanding & support by being able to identify with each other’s concerns" ACT-B Dictionary ACT-B The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. A community-based AIDS Service Organization dedicated to confronting AIDS through prevention, support, education and advocacy. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus the virus believed to cause AIDS. AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - the immune system is disrupted by HTV leaving the body defenceless against opportunistic infections. K PLWA Person Living With AIDS HIV+ Having tested positive for HIV antibodies. Hospital bed, wheelchair, vacuum cleaner, fridge & stove. Education materials are now available in Finnish! Pamphlets, brochures and books range from educational cartoons to books full of factual information about AIDS - all written in Finn. The information is available free at the ACT-B Resource Centre Library, located at 285 Bay Street. Drop in any time, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. * These materials are available in limited supply. These items are available on loan through our Support Services Department Other items needed can be requested from Glenna, our Support Services Coordinator at 3451516. Talk to her about your needs, together, ways can be found to fill them. Join a fun crew of BINGO workers. 1 Tuesday a month we laugh & work like crazy, to raise funds for the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. To join, call Sheila, our Volunteer Coordinator at 345-1516. Winner! KEEWAYWIN, a project of ACT-B’s Education Department, won the Thunder Bay Press Club, Alexander "Lackey" Phillips award for Besi Feature Television. Quite an honour! ACT-B in the morning . ., ACT-B now has their very own cups. They’re classy clear mugs, with our logo on it You can get them at the office for $6.00 each or 2 for $10.00 The Support Services Committee is making a cookbook designed for PLWAs. We need submissions of hints, nutritious meals for 1 or 2, cheap meals, recipes for special diets, & if you are MV+, please pass on your cooking hints to other PLWAs. Submit your recipes to Glenna, Support Services Coordinator. ! �It’s funny how so many people think that teens who come to a youth clinic like ours must be noisy, unkempt, light-fingered, manipulative and unreliable. Gail was just the opposite to this unfortunate stereotype. She was quiet, always carefully dressed, honest and straightforward, and a' compliant patient who never missed her appointments. In fact, she was not at all atypical of the many "girl next door" type patients that form the core of most adolescent medicine practices. When we first saw Gail and her parents it was the spring of her Grade 8 year. She had lost 20 pounds over the First four or five months of high school. At the time she was pretty resistant, angry and evasive. She had all the typical features of the slow starvation syndrome. She had poor concentration and poor sleep. She was depressed and preoccupied with thought of food, counting calorics, weight, fat, etc. She was pretty paranoid about her parents’ motivation for bringing her to our clinic. When I examined her I found Gail to be hypotensive, brady-cardic and cold. She had many of the other stigmata of weight loss (lanugo hair, dry carotenemic skin) and a history of amenorrhea and hair falling out. She was noticeably restless and didn’t like being asked to sit down. Clinically, she presented a pretty typical picture of an early onset eating disorder. Ideally, I would have admitted her to our adolescent inpatient unit and and put her on our weight restoration program. However, we were in the midst of our annual spring epidemic of new cases of anorexia nervosa and had already exceeded our bed allotment. After consultation about Gail’s options, her parents decided to try and get her to gain weight at home. We sat down and worked out a strategy of restricted activity, increasing intake and stress reduction (a program that we have subsequently formalized into a "7 Day Dietary Challenge". Using a clinic history sheet, I wrote out hospital-type orders for the parents to follow and set out a meal plan that Gail agreed to try. As they left the office I told my nurse to expect a panic call the next day. I was not too hopeful for their chance of success. Gail and her parents fooled me. Their success with reversing her weight loss taught me how difficult it is to predict which patients will succeed on our T r e a t i n g T e e n s by Dr. Roger Tonkin reprinted with permission from The Medical Post, February 5. 1991 7-Day Dietary Challenge and which will fail. Over the course of the next few weeks we gradually increased Gail’s intake and activity level Within a month she had improved sufficiently to warrant a return to full-time school attendance and by summer break she had achieved her agreed-upon goal weight. I was able to gradually reduce the frequency of her clinic visits from weekly to monthly and things at home had resumed some semblance of normalcy. I continued to follow Gail in the clinic. She became less depressed-and we settled into a fairly relaxed working relationship. She seemed to be getting on with her adolescence. While her weight had improved, her skin folds and body mass index indicated that she was still on the slim side of normal. However, she continued to worry about being fat and her parents reported that she still wasn’t eating normally. As time passed she experienced several episodes where her weight dropped below goal levels. These episodes were usually associated with the stress of exams, too many late night-shifts at work, or conflict with her friends. Each time I would exhort her to increase her intake and to reduce the pressures she placed upon herself. Each time her weight would improve and we would relax again. As time passed Gail continued to present issues or concerns that needed discussion. Sometimes these were related to dealing with her eating disorder. For example, what to tell her friends how to regain her parents trust, what to do about eating on a school band trip and how soon could she resume her gymnastics. Other times she came in with problems that were unusal but typical for her age group. For example, once she came in with a bottle of prenatal vitamins and asked if they were safe for her to take. She and some other Grade 12 classmates had the idea that one of these pills daily would make their hair grow longer, stronger and faster ... a desired preliminary to having their grad photos done. Gail moved slowly but steadily through the normal adolescent developmental milestones. However, one development did cause everyone some grief. That was her relationship with Pete. Pete was a schoolmate, a star football player, and the object of attention from many of the girls in Gail’s school. He was a good student and a responsible young man. He had his heart set on a professional career in football. Gail couldn’t believe he would be attracted to her. It blossomed into a classical high school sweetheart story. Aware of the intensity of the developing situation and of how much time the two of them were spending together, I would from �Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic practices are subject to change at any time. A person becoming disabled and unable to work might suddenly find that they have an interruption of their normal income from employment and at that lime there are five major sources of income which they should consider and be familiar with. 1 •* The Kinna-aweya Legal Ginic is a member of the provincial-wide Community Legal Clinic system. These clinics were created in order to allow people with low incomes access to legal advice and representation with the kinds of legal problems unique to groups for which traditional legal services are usually not available especially on a costfree basis. For more information about how to access the services of Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic call 344-2478 in Thunder Bay. In Armstrong call 583-2631. In Geraldton call 854-1278. In Marathon call 229-2290. Other community legal clinics are in Kcnora (468-8888), Sioux Lookout (737-3074), and Fort Frances (274-5327). The word Kinna-aweya is Ojibway for Everyone. Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic is one of the many agencies our clients can be referred to for specific needs. If you dre living with HIV, and do not wish to contact Kinna-aweya directly, call Glenna, our Support Services Coordinator for more information, at 345-1516. All enquiries are confidential. DISABLED IN ONTARIO If an individual is disabled in Ontario whether as a result of injury or disease they usually Find that there arc two rather serious problems. The First of course, is their physical well-being and the second is their Financial situation. This article is intended to be an overview of the various sources of income that a disabled person should be aware of and is designed to provide general information only. Naturally, all laws, policies or Private Insurance - Anyone becoming disabled and unable to work should speak to their employer about any insurance policies which may be in place by virtue of their employment and might cover disability. Naturally, they should also review any individual and private policies which they may have to see what benefits they are entitled to. If there is any confusion or misunderstanding concerning any of the private insurance policies which may be applicable a disabled individual should obtain legal advice. I will outline two systems of doing that without incurring costs at the end of this article. 2. Workers* Compensation Naturally, if the disability is in any way related to employment a claim should be made to the Workers’ Compensation Board. Most people realize that if they arc disabled as a result of a traumatic injury at work, they would be entitled to these benefits, however, it is also possible that a worker would be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they have a disease which is in some way caused by their work environment. 3. My Spirituality Unemployment Insurance - As I think people know, there are sick leave benefits available under the Unemployment Insurance Act and whether you qualify for these benefits is determined by how many weeks of employment you have. The criteria is somewhat different than qualifying for regular benefits. Sick leave benefits are paid for a shorter period of time, however, if there is any doubt at all about whether you qualify for these benefits then an application should be made. Again, if you are denied benefits under U.I. you should obtain legal advice concerning the possibility of an appeal. Cmtuaud an Pg. 10 I was told that to have a spiritual feeling with God, one has to have a Soul. I know I have a Soul, because I have a spiritual feeling with God. God is my higher power, my keeper. Sometimes He is a man who stands above me and listens to my conversations, my prayers, my thoughts. Sometimes, He is the'"spirit" who gives me the courage and determination to venture forth to do things I am afraid of doing, and sometimes He is love that I share with myself and others. I do not know really what form He should take, but I know He is in my heart at all times, and I am never alone. He motivates me and my life. He is the reason 1 am what I am today. 1 can talk to Him about my sadness, my pain, my fears, my gratitude, my happiness, my hopes, my reason for being, and I always find solitude and understanding after I talk with him. He builds up my self-esteem when I need it, and He is my inner voice that leads me to new challenges and new beginnings in my daily life. He allows me to "smell the flowers", to give love to my family and friends, and to receive love from them, to appreciate my health, my life, my happiness, my work, my children, my grandchildren and all the wonderful daily happiness that makes my life so complete. Without God in my life there would be a void that would be a feeling of just existing, and because I have God, 1 know He will allow me to grow more and more each day to the best of my ability, knowing I am unique in His eyes, and therefore, mine. I have a great relationship with God, who is my spiritual guide and friend, and the keeper of my soul. Anne Ciemny is an active volunteer with ACT-B. �ACT-B Advisory Council Fred Ball Norman Bowers Nicky Clark Mary McKenzie Marie Portter Eleanor Richardson Steve Roede Director, Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board Representative Supervisor, PAG.H., Infection Control Coordinator, Palliative Care, McKellar Hospital Residential Care Worker Educator & TVO Regional Liaison Family Physician No Survival by Amanda Raymond ACT-B Board oi Director! Kathryn Arnold Rick Atkinson Norman Bowers Joanne Books Terry Bryant Denyse Culiigan Susan tvany Gail Llnklaier Jeanette Munshaw April Richardson Ron Rogers Diane Roberts Director Treasurer Director Director President Director Director Director Vice-President Director Director Director ACT-B Staff David Belrose Sheila Berry Lawrence Korhonen Karen Maki Glenna McLeod Eileen Parker Caihy Powell Michael Sobota Educallon Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager Fundraising Coordinator' Support Services Coordinator Communications/Outreach Coordinator Secretary Executive Director Gallols’ Revelation AIDS Infoline at 345-SAFE (345-7233) and get Call the the facts about AIDS. "If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a very expensive machine is somehow enobted and no one dares to criticize it" Please give us your feedback! Comments, concerns, compliment and criticisms about the newsletter, our publications, or about any aspect of the agency- You can phone or mail. You can remaip anonymous if you wish. We'd like to know your comments in order to improve on weak points, and continue to deliver our strong points. Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have given us their comments. appreciated. They are greatly Write to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B6E2 (807) 345-1516 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eileen Parker, Editor, ReACT-Believe The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered by ReACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. A Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. talk to our staff & volunteers ^ Afterhours and weekends listen to an informative taped message. ^ You do not have to give your name. * Outside Thunder Bay, call th6 Ontario Ministry of Health AIDS Hotline. It’s toll-free! English 1-800-668-2437 Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Frangais 1-800-267-7432 TDD 1-800-267-7712 A If you want more in-depth counselling, want to join a Support Group, or would like to access our Support Services, just contact Glenna, our Support Services Coordinator weekdays at 345-1516. All enquiries are confidential. I am wondering how many teenagers think about AIDS. I don’t mean telling jokes about it, but thinking about it seriously. It’s sort of like car accidents it won’t happen to us if we are safe drivers, right? That’s how I feel. I won’t get AIDS ’cause nobody I know has it. But 1 am wrong. AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome was first identified in 1981. It began as what seemed to be a "Homosexual" disease, but then it spread, and normal, everyday people were getting it Nobody thought that these normal, everyday people could get it There arc only ihree ways that you can contract AIDS: through sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use (shared needles) and mothers passing it to their children during pregnancy. Nowadays, attitudes about premarital sex are more liberal. We, as teenagers, are not encouraged by adults to have sexual intercourse until we are older, but according to a study dope by Queen’s University, 70% of Canadians asked in the 18 to 24 age bracket first had sexual intercourse when they were younger than 18. The AIDS virus has an incubation period of up to seven years or more, and the incidence of AIDS is high in 20 to 29 year olds. That would mean that some of these people contracted the virus in their teens, making us very vulnerable to this disease. We may not see the signs now, but they will develop. We all know how to prevent AIDS. We know that abstinence is the safest way to be protected, but it’s unrealistic for most of us. Be careful of the person you are with, and be protected. We have to take AIDS seriously now, because we are at risk. It’s not just a homosexual disease. It doesn’t discriminate. It can be you, or your friend, or a relative. And remember, there is no cure for AIDS. You will die from it. You can not get better. Amanda is 17 years old. She goes to Hammarskjold High School �Treatment Treatment Issues'Coordinator, Craig Davis Hie AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay doe* not recommend, advocate or endorse the use of any particular treatinent(s) or therapy described in ReACT-Believe. The AIDS Ccmmittcc of Thunder Bay therefore, does not accept the risk Of, or responsibility for any damages, costs -or consequences of any kind whatsoever which may arise or result, either from use or reliance on the information contained herein, or due to any errors contained herein. Persons relying on the information provided must do so at their own risk. Please consult your health professional. Any medical information should be used at your own discretion. Reprinted from the Vancouver PWA Society newsletter . . . MEDICAL FORUM REPORT On January 23, 1991, Dr. Karen Gclmon spoke on Kaposi’s Sarcoma and the Alpha-interferon Trial. This was an excellent presentation, unfortunately the turnout was less than we had hoped for. The whole purpose of these forums are to give the members information on treatment, therapies, new trials and provide an excellent opportunity for the members to voice their concerns or complaints. The Forums are relaxed and give the opportunity to directly question the presenter. Despite the poor attendance. Dr. Gelmon did give a good overview of the difficulties in treating KS and the unpredictable course this disease takes. She noted that some patients with the illness may only ever develop one lesion, then there are those who develop crops of lesions over a period of time, and finally, those who develop lesions quickly and often internally. The treatment prescribed depends upon the degree of involvement, and where the lesions are. Facial lesions are often treated for cosmetic concerns, either with radiation therapy or cryosurgery, which is actually freezing of the lesions with liquid nitrogen. With some of the recent studies that have been published in the U.S. where low dose interferon has been tried, the results have been encouraging, so the Canadian trial will hopefully support the efficacy of Interferon as a treatment This needs to be established so that the drug will be made available to people with KS through the various Cancer Control Agencies. As it stands now, the cost of this drug is not covered in B.C. for KS. The drug is to be administered daily by subcutaneous injection, much as a diabetic takes his insulin daily. The dose will depend to a certain extent on the individual’s tolerance to Interferon. Side effects include depression of the hemoglobin, nausea, headaches, and fevers which may continue during the first few weeks of treatment The cost? If an individual is using 3 million units daily, it works out to about $50,000 per year! Dr. Gelmon explained that there has been a lot of difficulty in getting this trial going because the supplier of Interferon (Schering) has been very difficult to deal with. The investigators were initially told they could enroll as many people in the trials as they wanted, and then were told they could enroll no more than eight! Locally they have enrolled eleven participants and are hoping to have sixteen before too long. To quality for this trial, the individual must also be on AZT and appropriate PCP prophylaxis. Despite the restrictions they arc working under, they do hope to gather useful information with the present trial design. Dr. Gelmon noted that a response is usually seen within two and one-half months to four months. Those who are responding favourably will be kept on the drug. A favourable response would be clearing of the lesions and a reduction in the number. Patients will be followed through I DC. For more information on this trial, eligibility and possible enrollment, please speak with Pat or Nancy at Infectious Disease Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital 6315060. - Al Hawkins AIDS Infoline - 345-SAFE COMPOUND UPDATE Q Trichosanthin, Compound Q, is one of the most promising drugs under investigation and in use. It has been in use in China for quite a while mostly as a drug to induce abortion. It has been in use in the U.S. for approximately 3 years. Martin Delany of Project Inform did the first study with 10 men who, as Delany put it "didn’t have a 100 T-4 cells between them". They also had; many concurrent opportunistic infections including neurological involvement. He was very lucky only 3 of them died. There has been one other death possibly related to Compound Q in LA, the man had a herniation of his brain stem. At this point it is estimated that somewhere between 800 and 1000 people have taken Compound Q. The drug is now in phase two trials with the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration. Compound Q is very selective: it only kills infected Macrophages and leucocytes. Antiretrovirals, (also called chain terminators as they terminate the reproductive chain of the cells, mostly T-4 Cells like AZT) DDI, ddC, have little or no effect on infected macrophage or leucocyte blood cells. Compound Q, very importantly, crossed the blood/brain barrier. Obviously, this means that Compound Q will very significantly reduce viral load. It is thought that this great reduction is at least one of the reasons that we see an increase in T-4 cells, between 30% to 40%. The lower the number of T*4 cells before the infusions of ’Q’ the lower me increase after, as a general rule. . Yes, it is true that some people with T4 cells at higher ranges 350+ have become what Delany calls "his graduates" which means their T-cell counts and ratios have returned to "norma!" levels. It must also be said that Compound Q is a potentially dangerous drug. There can be very dangerous side effects including anaphylactic shock. Careful monitoring by a knowledgeable medical person during and �for 3 days after infusion is necessary. There should also be emergency drugs immediately available in case of a severe reactions. The usual side effects seem to be like the flu in reverse. You’re really sick a few hours after the infusion and you get better over 2-3 days. These side effects last for 2-3 days and can be very uncomfortable. Almost all the groups infusing Compound Q in the U.S. require the PWA having the infusions have 200 or more T-4 Cells, no current opportunistic infections, nor neurological involvement and liver functions in ’normal’ range. PWA with T-4 cells less than 50 who have infused Q usually have very little increase in their T cells and because of the killoff of infected macrophages and leucocytes these people are wide open in the weeks following their Q infusion to very serious 0.1.*s which can be deadly. MAJOR STRIDE IN MAI THERAPY The price of keeping people alive longer with prophylaxis for PCP is that they develop other infections that interfere with the quality of life. Mycobacterium avium or MAI is one such infection. Before the 1980s, only fifty cases of this infection were reported in all the world’s medical literature. Now, it is estimated that as many as 50% of PWAs may have MAI in the course of their HIV disease. Antibody positive? Sources: Project Inform Perspectives Lecture by Dr. Larry Waites, heed of FDA phase II trials SJF. California, conversations with Dr. Payne, researcher, Phoenix, Ar. - Dan Cotton EPO APPROVED! The FDA approved a license for Procrit, a synthetic form of erythropoietin (EPO), which significantly reduces anaemia in people treated with AZT. A protein formed in the kidneys, EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells. EPO had already been licensed for patients with kidney failure and its marketed by Amgen, a pharmaceutical company, as a product called Epogen. Another company, Ortho Biotech, conducted trials of their version of EPO in people with AIDS. While these trials progressed, Ortho provided free EPO through a treatment-IND program. Now Ortho’s drug, with the market name Procrit, has been licensed for anaemia in HIV-infected patients. Procrit is an extremely expensive drug: one dose (7000 units) will cost about $70.00. Patients typically need three doses a week and Ortho speculates that the annual cost will be from $6,000.00 to $8,500.00. reprinted from GMHC January 10,1991. Treatment Issues, Comment: This treatment is now available through the Infectious Disease Clinic at St. Paul’s hospital. Contact Ann Beardsell at 631-5074. You don't need to feel alone! There are other people out there with concerns like you. At ACT-B, you can join a Support Group, take part in individual or family counselling or take it easy at the Thursday afternoon Koffee Klatch with others with concerns like yours. Just call Glenna, our Support Services Coordinator at 345-1516, for more info and for the times & locations. If you don’t want to go to anything, you can just chat on the phone. However you want it MAI manifests with multiple symptoms which may be non-specific. Very often, this infection can be confused with other things and is difficult to diagnose. The current standard therapy for MAI includes the following: INH, Rifampin, Ethambutol, Ciprofloxacin, Clofazimine, and Amikacin. We see a fairly good response rate to this regimen. There is some improvement of symptoms. The infection, however, does not get cured, and persistent, low grade symptoms may interfere with the quality of life. The four or five drug regimen, however, may be difficult to keep up, since some need to be taken intravenously. Now there is a new antibiotic, clarithromycin, which may offer a one drug anti-MAI therapy. This compound is related to erythromycin, but has a wider spectrum of activity and is more fat soluble. Clarithromycin is available in Ireland, Italy and a few other countries (including Canada, under EDRP. See below). We have two studies of clarithromycin as treatment for MAI. A 1989 study looked at how much clarithromycin was needed to treat MAI in the test tube. An effective dose was fairly easy to attain. The researchers found that clarithromycin was the single best drug that they tried as treatment for MAI-infccted rats. At the recent ICAAC, Paris researchers reported on a double blind study of clarithromycin for MAI in AIDS patients. The study was divided into two groups of twenty-three patients. The clarithromycin group showed a steady decrease in MAI levels of over the six weeks, whereas the placebo group showed a steady rise. During the second six weeks of the study the first group received a placebo and four drugs from the standard regimen. MAI levels began to move up. The second group was given clarithromycin and the four drugs. Their MAI levels steadily decreased. The researchers concluded that clarithromycin either alone or in combination was a reasonably effective treatment for MAI. Excerpted from "Being Alive" February 1991. See also: AIDS Treatment News Number 113. Comment: Thanks to lobbying efforts by our members, Clarithromycin is now available in Canada, for those unable to use the standard treatment. Contact Dr. Sabih Khan Emergency Drug Release Program Bureau of Human Prescription Drugs Vanier Place, Vanier Ontario K1A IBS �Book Review by Michael Sobota Surviving AIDS by Michael Cailen I first heard Michael Cailen in July, 1988, at the Boston Lesbian and Gay Health Conference. I met him a year later, summer 1989, in San Francisco. While there, I attended a presentation he made at a similar AIDS and Health Conference. He was part of a panel that carefully and intelligently explained why they believed HIV was not the "cause" of AIDS. Michael Cailen is a wonderfully engaging person. He is a singer - has a kilo tape released called Purple Heart and is a member of the gay male choral group The Flirtations - and he is a long time survivor of AIDS. He has survived "AIDS" for about nine years now. It was with real excitement that I purchased his book Surviving AIDS, hoping that this would be the volume to make his story available to a much wider audience. His book is divided into three main sections. The first retraces the story of AIDS and HIV during the 1980’s. This is probably the weakest part of the book. If you have read And The Band Played On or any number of newspaper and magazine analysis of AIDS during the past decade, this is all old stuff. What is significant and important is his passionate writing about being alive, when science and medicine said he should be dead. Well, statistically, anyway. The second section of the book, and probably the best, is the middle section where he lets other people with AIDS tell their own first person stories. There are more than a dozen first person accounts here. Their experiences are told With passion, intelligence and a great deal of humour. And they arc all different, so don’t pick up Callen’s book expecting to find the common, universal traits that determine what constitutes "long term survival". While some embrace macrobiotic diets, others spurn this. Some are guided by Louise Hay’s selflove therapy, others think she is hocuspocus. Each, however, is very willing to speak loudly about how they have come to where they are today. These stories break down the stereotype of the "generic PWA". Not all PWA’s are the same, none of them are perfect, not all are "activists", etc . The final section is personal. Here Cailen says he will answer "for the first and last time what I would do if 1 were you." He carefully articulates nineteen separate points that he offers as guidelines to surviving AIDS. They range from: 1. Decide if you really want to live, followed by 2. Spring Clean emotionally, all the way through 19. Keep an open mind about holistic or alternative approaches to healing. You don’t have to be HTV-f to benefit from his wisdom in this section. You should know when you pick up the book that he has strong opinions. He does not believe HIV "causes” AIDS. He docs not believe anyone should take AZT. Read his book for information he presents as a first person experience, together with the other accounts he includes. He also wisely admonishes you to make your own decisions about your own life. I recommend Callen’s book for his information, his passion, his gay pride and his sense of humour. This is an important. addition to anyone’s library who is at all interested in AIDS/HIV. Michael Sobota is our Executive Director and, is a professional reviewer. Did you know . . . If you use a petroleum based lube, like Vaseline, on a condom or with a condom, within 60 seconds the condom loses 90% of its strength. The Library The ACT-B Resource Centre Library is located at 285 Bay Street Books and videos are available on loan. Resource books are also available for viewing in the agency. We also carry files full of newspaper clippings, magazine articles and studies. We subscribe to up-todate Treatment newsletters, with the latest information on different types of treatments and therapies for AIDS and HIV. ’elpful ’ints from Eloise . . For those times when you don’t want to say, "Ah, excuse me for a minute". Always be prepared. Try Vclcro-ing a condom package to places where sex may occur: the bed, the couch, the kitchen table, the door. And practise. You don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark for an embarrassing eternity, or worse, risk breaking the condom. Become quick and efficient at putting on a condom properly. ", . . got money,, cab fare in my shoe, Jody’s gonna meet us at the bar, what am I forgetting ... I heard Randy’s not going out with Sherry anymore, got any hairspray?, I hate my hair, I hope he’s gonna be there tonite, think this skirt is too short?, I’ll see if I can get him to go party with us after, ... Oh yeah, now I remember, you got any condoms in your purse?, oh wow, red ones, where’d you get them?, did you and Joey try those mint ones yet?, they’re fun to put on!, I hate my hair .. ." �Treating Teens, continued from page 2 time to time, ask Gail By the time she got to France she was routine screen at his college) to be HIV about the extent of their having a ball. The phonecalls home and positive. Gail was shattered. She called me sexual relationship. the letters to Pete became shorter and less in panic. She knew that she should be frequent. They stopped completely when Eventually, they did tested for HIV and wanted it done engage in sexual she arrived at the home of her "French immediately. 1 asked her to come in and intercourse and, as is so Parents." It was then that she met Pierre. talk before we set anything up. It was often the case with first He lived in the same village and worked really tough for her to accept that Pete conimmd from pej intercourse in teens, it on a local estate. They saw a lot of each could have given her HIV. After all they was unprotected and was followed by a other in those two weeks. She told me had been faithful to each other and she that while she was in love with Pete she knew he didn’t do LV. drugs. We spent a missed period and a pregnancy scare. She wanted to deal with the scare on her was very attracted to Pierre. While Pete lot of time talking about her trust in him was steady, caring and patient, Gail found and his strong denials that he had "done own and not involve he* parents or Pete. Fortunately, the pregnancy test was Pierre to be much more romantic and anything". I did point out that they had negative and a period quickly followed sensitive. She talked about how confused often had sex without using condoms. It Just the same I asked my nurse to see her and guilty she had felt They shared was sad to see her trust in Pete so badly many passionate and sexually active hours in the hope that Gail might be less shaken. She was in despair but also angry. embarrassed talking with a female. In her but she resisted Pierre's pleas for sexual I arranged for the HIV testing and made an characteristic fashion Gail listened intercourse. That is until the night before appointment for Gail to come in when the carefully to the nurse, but chose not to she was due to fly back home. Pierre had results were back. She too was HIV deal with the issue of condoms or birth offered to take her to Paris and see her to positive. I told her that we would have to control.I had met Pete and we often the airport. They decided to "see" Paris go over her own history to check for other chatted in the wailing room, but Gail and spent a memorable day together. The sources of infection or individuals that she usually resisted my efforts to gel him to decision to share a room in a quaint hotel might have shared a needle with. She join us to sec if he had any questions io came later (as did the unplanned and vehemently denied any other source but ask me about her eating disorder. This unprotected sex that followed). She cried Pete. She resented by implication that she lime I thought he should join us, but she all the way home on the plane. Upon her might have been unfaithful or that she refused to allow him to join in a return to Vancouver, Gail told me of her ^ould be the source of Pete’s HIV. It was discussion of birth control and STD Paris adventure. She told the story with then that she remembered Pierre and that prevention (even though he was sitting a mixture of sadness and pleasure. At night in Paris. The end to this story has yet out in the waiting room). I said that first, she reported difficulty being to be written. Pierre proved to be HIV while they weren’t dating others, and that comfortable around Pete, but soon they positive and had given a history of I.V. Pete was a pretty responsible young man, were both back full swing at school and drug use and needle sharing. It is hard to I was concerned about what happened on busy planning for graduation. By think of how Gail had struggled to school field trips or when she wasn’t Christmas everything seemed back to overcome her eating disorder only to be around to fend off the attractive girls who normal. The two of them were still felled by the silent menace within chase him or to police the situations engaging in sexual intercourse, but only seemingly innocent behavior that is but a where he might be tempted to use LV. sporadically using condoms. Gail told me normal part of adolescent experimentation drugs (anobolic and street). My message that Pete was being "careful". There and development. Gail and Pete rarely see was not well received and the discussion were no further pregnancy scares. Pierre, each other. Their respective families are was ended with a terse "Pete isn’t like who had written to her a couple of times, just shattered. It will be interesting to see that... you don’t know him.* "I wasn’t the eventually stopped keeping in touch. how ordinary girls like Gail will cope with only one concerned about the closeness of Graduation came and went. Gail looked the tide of AIDS that has begun to sweep Gail’s relationship with Pete. Her , happy and beautiful. Her weight held up through the typical "family next door." No parents, who liked him, complained that well during final exams. Her parents doubt Gail and her family will adjust better they were never apart, that she was never were proud of her. She and they looked than I would predict Working with home without him being there. Between very much the part of the "folks next adolescents is a humbling experience. Gail’s 11th and 12th Grades her parents door". Pete got accepted into a decided to encourage her to go on a prestigious U.S. football college. The Roger Tonkin is head of the division of future looked bright and Gail’s eating school-sponsored summer tour of Europe. adolescent health, department of pediatrics, Because she was in French immersion problem was history. I saw Gail UBC. they arranged to extend her time away by intermittently over the next year. Things having her live for several weeks with a seemed to be going well for her and she Teens or parents with questions family in France. The parents were and Pete seemed to be coping with their about AIDS can call the AIDS Infoline at trying to give her a time away from Pete. forced separation by commuting to see 345-SAFE. Gail spent her first weeks of the tour on each other on long weekends. By this If you have any concerns about or the phone back home to Pete. Otherwise time she was on the Pill and her parents are effected by II/V/AIDS, call Glenna, our she managed the travel, the meals, the knew that she and Pete were sexually Support Services Coordinator, at 345-1516. pressures of meeting new people quite involved. Everyone seemed comfortable Individual & family counselling is well. Gradually she gained some with that knowledge. Thai’s when the available. confidence and began to enjoy herself. bombshell burst. Pete was found (in a �Three cheers for volunteers! From October 1 to December 31, the volunteers at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay put in 1189 hours! This was done by 126 volunteers. That’s equivalent to having a paid staff person doing over a half year's work! 29.73 weeks to be exact. Thank you! To David Hoe from the AIDS Committee of Ottawa and to Clarence Crossman of the AIDS Committee of London - thank you for being so generous with your - Michael wisdom. Thank you to the generous people from our community who donated the fridge and stove. Thank you to the Music Department at Lakehead University for the use of their music room to hold our Volunteer Orientations. The Quilt A Quilt Committee has been started, with two goals:' 1. To bring the Canadian Quilt to Thunder Bay. 2. To produce Quilt panel(s) to commemorate people we have lost to AIDS. For more information contact David Belrose, Education Coordinator at 345-1516. If a friend of mine gave a feast, and did not invite me to it, I should not mind a bit. But if a friend of mine had a sorrow and refused to allow me to share it, I should feel most bitterly. If he shuts the door of the house of mourning against me, I would move back again and again to beg to be admitted so that I might share in what I was entitled to share. If he thought me unworthy, unfit to weep with him, I should feel it as the most poignant humiliation. - Oscar Wilde Submitted by Susan Ivany, from a pamphlet produced by the AIDS Committee of Toronto ORDER FORM KEEWAYWIN (JOURNEYS) AIDS In The First Nations Name/Organlzatlon: Address: ____________________________ ______________________ 1---------- City/Prov: ____ ____________ —1,--------------------Postal Code: ___________ ______ 1-------------------Number of Copies:________ @ $20.00 (Total Cost)___________ (Price Includes taxes and shipping) Please send orders to: KEEWAYWIN AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 6E2 Telephone (807) 345-1516 or Fax (807) 345-6994 Getting up early on a Saturday morning isn’t my most favourite thing to do on a weekend, but this particular morning was well worth it, I must admit A few cups of coffee and a muffin was just what I needed when I got to the Volunteer Orientation. Sheila Berry, our Volunteer Coordinator started the morning off with a warm welcome and introduction. Dr. Fred Ball gave the group a biological overview which I might add was a refresher for me since my first orientation over two years ago. Dr. Ball sure knows what he is talking about. We then had a catered lunch which included homemade soup and sandwiches. It was delicious. After lunch, David Belrose, our Education Coordinator gave us quite an enlightening safer sex demonstration which included a few giggles here and there. He then briefed the participants on what the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay does and what role ACT-B plays within the Community. Once we got the picture of how ACT-B worked we had to put our memory to work for a Bingo Quiz. The quiz was both fun and interesting. After a short break, Ron Rogers spoke on how HIV/AIDS has affected his life. Personally, this pan of the orientation was the most moving segment of the whole day. After Ron talked for about an hour about his personal experiences, I must admit that Ron brought a few tears to my eyes. As I looked around the room I realized that I was not the only one who was emotionally drained. All I kept saying to myself was how much courage Ron had to get up in front of group of total strangers and spill his heart out During Ron’s presentation, I also noticed that there wasn’t that usual fidgeting that sometimes occurs when people are speaking. Nobody was moving, whispering or doodling. All eyes and ears were directly glued to Ron. How he must have felt. His attitude was so conrinmd on pagt 10 �Kinna-aweya, positive and after he had finished his presentation, it left me with the feeling that "I think I have problems". I would want my problems any day over Ron’s problems. Thanks Ron for making me see myself in a totally different perspective. Sheila wrapped up the day giving the participants an overview on the significance of volunteering and how important it is when someone makes a commitment to volunteer. As an active volunteer, I have found that people really do start to rely on you and isn’t that what we all desire; to be wanted and needed? As a staff person, it gave me a real nice feeling to see all these new volunteers giving up their Saturday to come and see what the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay was all about Way to go Sheila, volunteering and working with ydu make it all worthwhile!!! Q. What do you do with 365 used condoms? A. Make them into a tire and call it a Good Year!! Coliectomaniacs . . . ' ACT-B collects newspaper clippings, magazine articles, books, novelties . . . anything that relates to AIDS/HIV - Safe Sex, IV Drug Use, Palliative Care, etc . . . Just drop them off at our office'm 285 Bay Street You can also look at all the information we have on file in our library. AAW has grown to ^involve so many organizations, that our planning starts in January! If you or your organization would like to join the AIDS Awareness Week Steering Committee, contact David Belrose, Education Coordinator at 345-1516. continued from page 3 t-. Canada Pension Plan Disability Pensions -If yoti arc unable to work because of a physical or mental disability you may be able to get a disability pension through the Canada Pension Plan. You do not need to be over 60 years of age to get a disability pension and if you are refused this benefit, you have a right to an appeal. You arc entitled to this benefit if you have made contributions to the CPP Plan, if your disability makes you unable to work regularly in a job that lets you support yourself, if your disability is likely to last a long time or if your disability is likely to cause death. This application should be made as soon as you are aware of your disability because if you wait too long after you have stopped work, you could lose your right to the CPP disability pension. Again, if the pension is denied or if you have any questions, you should obtain legal adviep. • If you are unable to work and arc a "person in need" in the province of Ontario you may well be entided to benefits under the General Welfare Assistance Act or the Family Benefits Act. These benefits are what is called "needs tested" which means they will do a review of your financial situation to decide if you qualify for the benefits. This will include adding up your income from other sources and reviewing your assets to see if you qualify. Even if you are already receiving benefits from any one of the other programs you might be entitled to some "topping up" of your income through one of these programs. If you arc presently receiving benefits under the General Welfare Assistance Act speak to your social worker about your entitlement to benefits under the Family Benefits Act as a disabled person because those benefits are paid at a higher rate. Again, if you have any problem at all with benefits under either of these Acts, you should obtain legal advice and consider your right to appeal. Other financial implications of a disability relate to the disability benefit under the Income Tax Act ?nd any disability benefit connected with any loans or mortgages. You should check with any financial institution where you have a loan and see if you still need to make payments on that loan while you are disabled. Also, be aware there is a "non-refundable tax credit" which can be applied to your income tax calculations to reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. Some benefits such as CPP are taxable while others such as FBA are not. The disability amount during the taxation year 1990 was $3,327.00 and in order to claim this amount you must obtain a form from Revenue Canada and have your doctor complete the form and sign it. With any of the above-mentioned benefits, if you have any problems, you should obtain clear legal advice. Concerning workers’ compensation matters, you can obtain advice from the Office of the Worker Adviser and concerning all of the other matters, you can obtain advice either by contacting your local community legal aid clinic at the following address: Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic, 233 Van Norman Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 4B6, telephone: 3442478 or arrange for an interview with a private lawyer for one-half hour without charge through the Lawyer Referral Service. That service is accessed by phoning 1-800-668-8526 which will connect you with an office in Toronto where all of the lawyers in Ontario who participate in this program are registered. Simply advise that office that you are in Thunder Bay and wish to speak to a lawyer and then identify the issue and they will refer you to a lawyer in Thunder Bay who will review the matter with you and provide clear legal advice without charge. I think we are all aware of how dramatically stress and anxiety can influence our physical and mental well­ being. Any one who is experiencing and dealing with a disability or an illness needs as much help as possible to relieve all unnecessary stresses and anxieties. Certainly a person’s financial situation can be an enormous source of stress and worry and knowing what benefits you may be entitled to can be very important in alleviating anxiety. Please remember there are individuals and agencies prepared to extend whatever assistance is possible and do not hesitate to ask for that assistance. �What are volunteers? Volunteers are like Ford They have better Ideas. Volunteers are like Coke They're the real thing. Volunteers are like Bell Canada They're answering your call. Volunteers are like Midas Mufflers Nobody tops them. Volunteers are like PanAm They make the going great. Volunteers are like Dial soap They care more. Volunteers are like V05 hairspray Their goodness holds In all kinds of weather Volunteers are like Hallmark Cards They care enough to give their very best. Volunteers are like Standard Oil You expect more and you get more. Volunteers are like Benetton They work United together. Volunteers are like Robin's Donuts They're the best part of your day. Volunteers are like Thunder Bay They've got a giant heart. Volunteers are like Thunder Bay Cellular They're wherever you go. But most of all. . . Volunteers are like Frosted Flakes They're GRRRREATI ACT-B volunteers are over 100 strongl They do everything from Support Services, to planning, to stuffing envelopes, answering the phone, fundraising at BINGO, photography, writing, designing, typing .. . whewl the list is just too long to write. If you'd like to join, contact Sheila, our Volunteer Coordinator at 345-1516. Training is provided. Thanks a Bunch! � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 4 Issue 2 - Spring 1991 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2667/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no3.pdf c33ec977969bddcb5c92c32aaa2da2a2 PDF Text Text ���� https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2667/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no3_2.pdf 703d5f292e12971b17c78a966b73a80e PDF Text Text ReACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay newsletter Summer 1991, Volume IV, Issue III AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7I3 6E2 (807) 345-1516 AIDS Infoline When you leap...protect your LOVE. WE’RE ON THE MOVE Summer {feat Edition �A note from the President of the Board The agency has just passed through a very busy winter and spring which included staff changes and searches for new office space. As many of you know the search was successful. Renovations are under way and we move July 20. Unfortunately not all the renovations will be finished until well after the move. We will have to manage without a board room, a classroom/workshop space, and storage space for a couple of months. The good news is that there is more space and Glenna’s office will be sound-proof. Thank to all staff and volunteers who worked so hard and accomplished so much over the last few months. The agency has an on-going commitment to work together with all individuals and to provide the best possible services for everyone. I urge anyone who has questions or issues of their own to contact us or come in and talk to us. ACT-B thanks the Nylons for donating 10 of their concert tickets for local PLWAs. Terry Bryant ACT-B Advisory Council Fred Ball Norman Bowers Nicky Clark Nancy Loewen Mary McKenzie Marie Portier Eleanor Richardson Steve Roede Director, Public Health Laboratory ACT-B Board Representative Supervisor, P.A.G.H., Infection Control City Councillor Coordinator, Palliative Care, McKellar Hospital Residential Care Worker Educator & TVO Regional Liaison Family Physician ACT-B Board of Directors Director Treasurer Secretary Director President Director Director Director Vice-President Director Director Kathryn Arnold Rick Atkinson Norman Bowers Joanne Books Terry Bryant Denyse Culligan Susan Ivany Gail Linklater Jeanette Munshaw April Richardson Diane Roberts ACT-B Staff David Belrose Sheila Berry John Books Lawrence Korhonen Glenna McLeod Michael Sobota Education Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Fundraisin^'Communlcations Coor. Office Manager Support Services Coordinator Executive Director Gallols' Revelation "If you put tomfoolery into a computer, nothing comes out but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a very expensive machine is somehow enobled and no one dares to criticize it* Please give us your feedback! SEND US YOUR CANADIAN TIRE MONEY Comments, concerns, compliments and criticisms about the newsletter, our publications, or about any aspect of the agency. You can phone or mail. You can This is a new fundraising campaign. remain anonymous if you wish. We’d like to know Drop it off or mail it to our office. your comments In order to improve on weak points, and continue to deliver our strong points. FILL OUR TOOL BOX WITH COUPONS Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have given us their comments. They are greatly appreciated. Write to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 (807) 345-1516 9:00 am. - 4:00 p.m. John Books, Editor, ReACT-Believe The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered by ReACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. �This is our 3rd Annual Fun Run - & growing every year! Run For Your Life We're running for your money. This is a province-wide event coordinated fundraising Walk/Run This year our goal is 501 runners & walkers! Sunday, October 13 A Family Fun Day. 1991 Run Committee Lots of prizes, food & fun for the whole family. Sheila Berry John Books Nicky Clark Estelle Howard Nick Makletzoff Eileen Parker Bob Richardson BE THERE OR BE SQUARE! Call 345-1516 for location & registration. HELP Support Services is requesting donations of large household items, for loan to clients. Kitchen tables, chairs, beds, dressers, sofas etc. are needed. Call Glenna at 345-1516 COMING THIS FALL: SPEAKERS' BUREAU This will be your opportunity to become a volunteer speaker for ACT-B. Look for training sessions to begin in September. THE QUILT ACT-B has undertaken the project of bringing the NAMES PROJECT QUILT to Thunder Bay in the spring of 1992. You can help to organize the event, or help to produce a panel to remember a loved one. MEN'S SURVEY '91 Thunder Bay will be part of a national survey of the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of men who have sex with men, from October 15 - December 15. SAFER SEX OUTREACH The safer sex discussion group for gay and bisexual men will resume in September on the fourth Thursday. Look for the beginning of safer sex house parties, where you can learn and have fun in a safe environment. NATIVE AIDS PROJECT We will be in the second year of this project, which will include a tour to First Nations communities in the region. AIDS AWARENESS WEEK (October 7 - 13) The major event each fall is AIDS Awareness Week, and this year it will be national in scope, with the theme "Our Challenge For Life". This promises to be a busy and exciting season, so please think about how you would like to be involved. Give David a call at 345-1516 about any of this. �Welcome John AIDS Awareness Week is Oct.6-13. The theme this year is "OUR CHALLENGE FOR LIFE". Many fund­ raising, educational and enter­ tainment events are planned. ACT-B's volunteers play a key role in the running of the agency. We need volunteers of all kinds. If you would like to help out, give us a call. Hello, Hello. Let me introduce myself. My name is John Books and I am the new Fundraising and Communications Coordinator. I am looking forward to meeting all of you who are involved with ACT-B. Though nervous and still wet behind the ears, my goals are to expand our funding base and to help make ReACT-Believe an interesting forum of the ACT-B community. HAS MOVED! ACT-B has relocated Our new address is 217 South Algoma St. That’s all we’ve changed so far. Everything else stays the same. Our mailing address and phones are the same. P.O. Box 3586, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 6E2, 345-1516. Slay tuned for further developments. Our grand opening, office warming will be in the fall. Join us. Become a member! Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They are kept up-to-date about our work. They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work on track. ACT-B Membership form. Name Address Postal Code Telephone Enclosed is: _____ $10 Membership fee _____ $25 Supporting membership fee _____ $ Donation Mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 6E2 To be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date, (30 days prior to the meeting). The A.G.M. is in November. Please, renew your membership now. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 4 Issue 3 - Summer 1991 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2668/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no4.pdf 558b45a1fc7ccc06b1087aef6f47e800 PDF Text Text ������������ https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/17/2668/1991_reACT-Believe_vol4no4_2.pdf f3d3346ef9a1a81d48fa2143f771eb19 PDF Text Text reACT-Believe The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Fall 1991, Volume IV, Issue IV AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.0. 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6E2 (807)345-1516 AIDS Infoline 345-SAFE Our Challenge for Life AIDS AWARENESS WEEK October 7 to 13, 1991 ��AIDS AWARENESS WEEK 1991 - OUR CHALLENGE FOR LIFE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Voices of Positive Women Voices of Positive Women is a provincial organization run by and for women who are HTV positive. Presently based out of Toronto, women are connecting with other women in urban and rural areas to talk about the difficulties that women must deal with as a result of their compromised immune system. The purpose of this group is to get HTV+ women together to share information and resources and to reach out to those women who feel isolated. If you are an HIV+ women or would like more information about the group, Voices of Positive Women, please contact Beverly or Darien at (416) 324-8703 or write to Voices of Positive Women, P.O. Box 471, Station "C", Toronto, Ontario, M6J 3P5. Voices of Positive Women is seeking representation form Northwestern Ontario by women who are HIV+. If you have concerns about HIV/AIDS, please contact the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay at (807) 345-1516 or drop by our office at 217 South Algoma Street SUNDAY - OCT. 6/91 SUNDAY - OCT 13/91 Preview Presentation - Ken Ward Kashadaying Student Residence At 6:30 p.m. "FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE" 5K Fun Ron Pledge Walk Confederation College Warm up at 9:00 a.m. Starting line 10:00 ajn. Registration forms available at AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Office 217 S Algoma Street MONDAY - OCT. 7/91 Tree Planting Ceremony Marina Park - 12:00 noon Keynote Speakers Cindy Robins & Marie Silva (Two HTV Positive Women) & If you would like further information Please Call ACT-B at 345-1516 or drop by at 217 S. Algoma Street Ken Ward Thunder Bay Multicultural Centre 7:00 - 9:00 pan. TUESDAY - OCT. 8/91 Presentation - Ken Ward Thunder Bay Youth Friendship Society - 6:00 p.m. THURSDAY - OCT. 10/91 Candlelight Vigil The AIDS Committee of Thunder 217 S. Algoma - 7:30 p.m. "Update on HIV Testing" Fred Ball - Director of Public Health Laboratory Thunder Bay Health Unit - 9:00 a.m. (staff only) Participating Agencies; AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay, Confederation College, Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, Lakehead University, McKellar Hospital, Port Arthur General Hospital, SL Joseph’s Hospital and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Local Sponsors include: Sportop, Provincial Papers, Krazy Krazy Audio Video Experts, Crazy Mikes Super Stores, Painted Turtle Shops, Kelly’s Food Services, Bailey’s Sea & Ski, Japan Camera Centres, GL.T.B., Insight Promotions, Airlane Motor Hotel, Canada Games Complex, Prospector Restaurant, The Boda Restaurant. FRIDAY - OCT 11/91 Healthy Sex Cabaret (X-Rated) The Prince Arthur Hotel Doors open at 8:00 Tickets Available at the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay 217 S. Algoma Street SATURDAY - OCT 12/91 Iff /t>f A/&5 </£ An!// &£ Cooa fe fur. &£ tf&Mc frteA {reef* Youths Poster Competition Posters to be displayed all day at Intercity Mall Presentations at 12:00 noon Today, as we prepare the 5ih AIDS Awareness Week in Thunder Bay (October 7 - 13, 1991),the week will be declared nationally by the Canadian AIDS Society and celebrated simultaneously across the country. The theme this year was selected by a national steering committee of AIDS educators. The theme, "AIDS: Our Challenge For Life", reflects our work and our lives in the 90’s. It is both a personal message for each one of us and a national one for all Canadians to become aware of. �Things you need to know: When: The race starts at 10 a.m. sharp. Sunday. October 13. 1991. Where: Confederation Fitness Centre College Registration: To register. mail in your registration to the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. P.O. Box 3586. Thunder Bay. Ontario P7B 6E2. (Please do not send money through the mail.) Or. drop off your registration in the dropoff boxes at the Canada Games Complex. Fresh Air Experience, or at the AIDS Committee office at 217 S. Algoma Street. Race Kits: Race Kits can be picked up at Confederation College. Saturday. October 12. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Divisions: Men and Women Junior i Open | Senior Master j Veteran under 20 20 - 29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50+ i Entry Fee: $ 15.00 - non-refundable. The Course: 5K course at Confederation College. For more information, contact the ACT-B office at 345-1516. Change Facility: changing facilities. Fitness Centre Entry Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m.. Wednesday. October 9. 1991. No late registrations will be accepted. Bring in those pledges. �'OUR ENTRIES FUN/RUN. Registration Form Name_ ... this is ing event, your friends, nd coworkers. Age (As of October 13) Address_____________ City_________________ Province/State Postal/Zip Code Phone ( )____ Ciub/School_ T-Shirt Size: Large _ X-Large Gender Male__ Female Liability Waiver - please read and sign In consideration of the acceptance of my entry,1 for myself, my executors, administrators and assignees, do hereby release and discharge the race sponsors, promoters and organizers including all daims of damages, demands, and action whatsoever In my manner arising from my participation in the AIDS Awareness Week 5K Fun Run/Walk. I attest and verify that I have full knowledge of the risks involved In this event and I am physically fit to participate. Signature (of parent or guardian if under 18) Make cheque payable to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay �Farewell Terry To those of us who are fortunate enough to know Terry, the adjectives kind, caring, giving; come immediately to mind but these are only a few of his many fine qualities.When Terry left Ottawa to live and work in Thunder Bay, it was Ottawa’s loss and a huge plus for our area and especially ACT-B. From Ottawa, Terry brought not only his furniture but also a great sense of humour. As a Federal Government employee, he once applied for compassionate leave and in the column marked ...state reason... he replied, "received letter from my lover that said, COME PASSIONATE OR DON’T COME AT ALL. " Terry attended his first meeting of ACT-B at our annual general meeting in November of 1989 and was promptly elected to the Board of Directors. In December 1990, he was elected President of the Board. During his entire time with the agency, he served on every committee, worked at bingos, at yardsales and was available wherever and whenever he was needed. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, clients, and over one hundred volunteers, we bid you fond farewell Terry, and we wish you nothing but the best in Calgary. As it says on your lapel button: KEEP IT UP. Your great bear hugs will be missed by many. Norm Bowers Secretary, Board of Directors DO YOU HAVE A ROOM TO RENT Single Male on Disability Pension is seeking a comfortable, clean room for rent. Kitchen and washroom facilities would be essential. I am also a Non Drinker and occasional smoker. MEN'S SURVEY 91 Men’s Survey 91 is a joint research project of the University of Toronto, Universite Laval and the Canadian AIDS Society, funded by Health and Welfare Canada. Men’s Survey 91 is a national survey designed to measure knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to HIV infection among Canadian gay and bisexual men. Involving almost 5,000 men in 34 cities, Men’s Survey 91 will be the largest survey of its kind in Canada, and one of only a few undertaken anywhere in the world. Data will be collected in bars, bathhouses and at community events. The aim of the project is to obtain data that can be used to develop educational and health promotion strategies for gay and bisexual men. Over the last few years, communitybased organizations have done a lot of work in distributing information and using other interventions to promote safer sex. It is widely believed that this work has done a lot of good. But there are important questions that need to be answered. Until now, no Canadian survey has attempted to capture the issues and concerns about HTV and AIDS with regard to gay and bisexual men - the group still most affected by HIV/AIDS. Men’s Survey 91 will help to identify the gaps in men’s knowledge about HIV transmission, safer sex, antibody testing and other issues. Another aim is to better understand what kinds of beliefs and attitudes influence positive behaviour change and maintenance of safer sex practices. Men’s Survey 91 is also meant to reveal whether, among gay and bisexual men, there are identifiable target populations that require special attention in HTV prevention work. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay will coordinate data collection in Thunder Bay. For more information contact: David Belrose - Local Coordinator (807) 345-1516 �Gallois’ Revelation "If you put tomfoolry into a computer, nothing comes out but tomfoolery. But this tomfoolery, having passed through a very expensive machine is somehow enobled and no one dares to criticize it." Please give us your feedback! Comments, concerns, compliments and criticisms about the newsletter, our publications, or about any aspect of the agency. You can phone or mail. You can remain anonymous if you wish. We’d like to know your comments in order to improve on weak points, and continue to deliver our strong points. Thank you to the agencies and individuals who have given us their comments. They are greatly appreciated. Write to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B6E2 (807) 345-1516 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. John Books, Editor, ReACT-Believe The opinions and medical information offered by ReACT-Believe are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the staff or Board of Directors of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. Medical information offered by ReACT-Believe should be used with your own discretion. Please consult your doctor. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay is funded by: ONARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEALTH PROMOTIONS BRANCH, HEALTH AND WELFARE CANADA OUR NEW OFFICES ACT-B’s office is now located at 217 S. Algoma. The location is on the comer of Algoma and Cornwall streets, kittycomer from the former Cornwall Street School/Lakehead University Fine Aits building. The relocation was done to provide improved services, more space for staff and activities as well as increased services. ONARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION THUNDER BAY FOUNDATION GENERAL FUNDRAISING, INCLUDING: community, business and many individual donations. Currently the new building provides separate offices for the staff including sound-proofed offices for confidential counselling. The ACT-B library now has its own small room with a VCR and monitor for quiet, private screenings. There are new washrooms, a small kitchenette and lunchroom. Further renovations, to be completed later this fall will add an activity/classroom for us in Support Services, a board/committee room and designated storage space. Watch for an announcement of our "Open House" planned for later this fall Meanwhile, our doors are open. Welcome. Please drop in. �Have you renewed your membership for 91/92 ? CALL FOR PERSONS INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ACT-B. ELECTIONS TO BE HELD AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN NOVEMBER. IF INTERESTED, PHONE OUR OFFICE : 345-1516 FOR AN INTERVIEW AND INFORMATION PACKAGE. CONSIDER JOINING A TEAM OF EXPERIENCED AND DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS, FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF PROFESSIONS IN THUNDER BAY. Join us. Become a member! Members set our course at Annual Meetings. They are kept up-to-date about our work. They elect the Board of Directors who keep that work on track. ACT-B Membership form. Name Address Postal Code Telephone Enclosed is: _____ $10 Membership fee _____ $25 Supporting membership fee _____ $ Donation Mail to: AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay P.O. Box 3586 Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 6E2 To be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting, your membership must be up-to-date, (30 days prior to the meeting). The A.G.M. is in November. Please, renew your membership now. �TREATMENT SECTION An Interview with Larry Bruni, M.D. by Denny Smith (reprinted from AIDS Treatment News Issue No. 124, April 5, 1991) The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay does not recommend, advocate or endorse the use of any particular treatments) or therapy described in ReACT-Believe. The AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay therefore, does not accept the risk of, or responsibility for, any damages, costs or consequences of any kind whatsoever which may arise or result, either from use or reliance on the information contained herein, or due to any errors contained herein. Persons relying on the information provided must do so at their own risk. Please consult your health professional This article is a separate page of the newsletter. Please, pull out and retain for your files. �TREATMENT STRATEGIES Interview With Larry Bnmi.M.D. by Denny Smith To help support strategic, individualized programs for controlling HIV disease, we interviewed Larry Bruni, M.D. a Washington D.C. physician who has maintained a large HIV practice for several years. Dr. Bruni is known as an innovator in the care of his patients a Cable News Network (CNN) interview with him should air later this month. D.S. For people who are still above 500 T-helper cells, what do you look for to make decisions about intervention in the progression of HIV? LB: The various blood markers aren’t very useful at that point, so I look carefully at the clinical picture. I’ve come to regard anything except a broken bone as possibly related to HIV. That may be a fallacious assumption, but better to be too vigilant, rather than trivialize something like a rash or headaches that could be tied into disease progression. I don’t dismiss anything. When people worry that they are being hypochondriacal, I tell them that they’re not. By just recording patients’ complaints in their charts, I can sometimes discern a pattern of symptoms. Small things that would ordinarily go unnoticed may be signicicanL For example, when I examine the ears, I look for small bubbles behind the eardrums. These can be caused by infections of mycoplasma, which sometimes colonize the middle ear. I’m more willing to try doxycycline than to tell the patient "don’t worry about it". DS: When do blood markers become noteworthy? LB: Well, the T-4 helper cell counts and percentages are important because, of course, progressive depletion of helper cells is the hallmark of HIV infection. But you can’t rely on this alone, partly because the methods of counting the cells are not absolutely precise; there are many calculations involved in deriving the final "count." DS: That’s a good point, because I think a lot of people, including myself, don’t understand all the calculations involved in lab results. We often assume that the total blood cell population is ordinarily stable, so any variation in one component is alarming. LB: No one should be alarmed by small variations. Also, the percentage of T-helper cells is more revealing than the absolute count. DS: When someone who is on AZT experiences a drop in T-helper cells, is that ever attributable to a drop in the overall white count, which can in turn be attributed to AZT? LB: Yes. So I don’t routinely put people on nucleoside anologs (AZT, ddi, ddC) for T-helper cell counts above 500. But there are circumstances that may warrant the use of AZT in that range, particularly clinical symptoms that indicate disease activity. For example, if someone is having repealed bouts of genital warts. DS: In other words , a relatively minor problem which is resistant to normally successful treatment may be a signal of HIV activity. LB: Not only that, but I think HIV would be a rather indolent (slow to change) infection if it weren’t for all the other infections our bodies have to process at the same time. I don’t really make a distinction between opportunistic infections and the idea of cofactors. 1 teach my patients that HIV disease is a slow process if not for other thingi push it, such as other infections, ea to sunlight, etc. And infections can transactivate each other. While the warts are allowed to recur by HIV, HIV is stimulated by the wart virus. So for both practical and theoretical reasons, we need to control this cycle by controlling any problem that is potentially chronic, like bronchitis or adenovirus colitis. DS: In light of that, what are some of the things you look for in patients who would ordinarily think of themselves as asymptomatic? LB: Sinus infections, skin rashes, fungal infections of the toenails, athlete’s foot that is persistent, prostate infections, and of course, headaches and fatigue. Headaches especially, are too often chalked up to "tension", but since stress can contribute to immune dysfunction, and to emotional dysphoria, I think even a tension headache may deserve intervention. DS: You mentioned sunlight as a cofactor. LB: Yes, even before studies were published about its effect on HIV, sunlight was known to provoke herpes outbreaks. Strong sunlight, probably the ultrviolet rays, can impair immune response. You don’t have to worry about the regular exposure during daily activites. I’m talking about laying out in the sun, or playing volleyball in your swimsuit for hours at a time. T-helper cell counts drop almost invariably after someone spends a long weekend at the beach. DS: I understand that you favor the empirical use of antibiotics, when a set of symptoms is eluding any particular diagnosis or treatment. Is there a concern that antibiotic drugs could suppress the immune system further? LB: I haven’t really seen any systemic damage from antibiotics. Indeed, my own �experience is that a course of antibiotics frequently perks up the immune picture. The first anatibiotic I tried on an empirical basis was doxycyclinc in 1988, based on Stephen Caiazza’s ideas. DS: Since HIV isn’t affected directly by antibiotics, this must be a way of dealing with cofactors in hiding. LB: It often seems that something else is driving the infection. The notion that latent syphilis may be treated this way is interesting. I can’t think of any topic in medical school that professors were more smug about than syphilis treatment "We know everything there is to know about this disease," they say. Reminds me of the character in Voltaire’s Candidc. DS: Dr. Pangloss! LB: Yes, as though we live in the best of all possible worlds, and we know everything we need to know. But meanwhile, one treatment they were using to treat syphilis failed to cross the blood/brain barrier, and those people may be ciironically infected with syphilis, including many people with HIV. DS: So the cerebrospinal fluid could be "reseeding" the body and doxycycline may be dealing with it? LB: I’ve had some excellent results with doxycycline; tetracycline, as well, will cross the blood/brain barrier. I try it in people who have a residual indicator of syphilis in their blood. And now we know that we could be treating mycoplasma infections empirically, too. I have actually seen rises in T-helper cells in some patients in some patients during treatment with doxycycline. DS: How do patients and physicians make judgment decisions together? LB: Physicians need to be willing to make some intuitive judgments, because we won’t find advise in the medical journals, whose reports invariably end with something like "not statistically conclusive, more investigations needed. "Patients can be limited by their preconceptions. I still get patients who say to me, "I’ll try anything except AZT." "Why won’t you try AZT?" "Because it’s poison." Yet studies clearly show that when we use AZT correctly, we can improve the quality and the length of life. DS: So you’re trapped between patients who do not like the primary option available, and a medical establishment which cannot seem to improve the options. LB: Well, I’m really happy now that we have ddC, even if people have to use the "gray market" version. I think ddC works, without horrible side effects. Now routinely, whcnl start people on AZT, after threemonths I tell them it’s time to switch to ddC. Another three months, we return to AZT, and I continue alternating like that. DS: What’s the rationale for rotating instead of using them together? LB: Well, it takes about three months for AZT side effects to appear, at the current low doses. This dosing may avoid indefinitely those predictable drops in white cells and hemoglobin. By using them separately, you can also see how each drug affects each patient DS: You’ve mentioned AZT and ddC., but not ddl. LB: For a year and a half, our office has been overwhelmed by the paperwork associated with ddl. And the manufacturer’s criteria for ddC eligibility are ridiculous. I’m ready to forego all that if patients can reliably obtain ddC through the buyers’ clubs. DS: Arc there other important treatments that patients can get through the buyers’ clubs? LB: In addition to ddC, I’m glad to see the clubs carrying levamisole (a potential immunomodulator) and clarithromycin (a new antibiotic). I started recommending levamisole to patients last November, before it was approved by FDA for use in colon cancer. When it became available by prescription, I started slowly, not being familiar with its use and wishing to avoid loxicities. Now I give it to people who do not improve on more standard therapies. I think it holds great promise as an immunomodulator. DS: Is clarithromycin still looking promising for treating MAI, cryptosporidiosis, or toxoplasmosis? LB: I’ve replaced all the old MAI drugs with clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin. The dose we’re trying is eight pills (250mg. each) of clarithromycin daily, which unfortunately is expensive. I’m seeing some weight gain, and reduced fevers. These patients feel it’s working. I’m trying the related drug azithromycin to treat toxoplasmosis in several patients who were obviously failing the pyrimethamine/sulfa combination. It’s too early in follow-up to say for sure, but I think it will work. I’m also advocating some prophylaxis in people who have been exposed to Toxoplasma, and who have dropped below 200 T-helper cells. I believe azithromycin and clarithromycin probably will become the best drugs with which to treat toxo or prevent active infections. Anecdotally, two of my patients with cr>'PlosPondiosis found complete relief from the diarrhea within five days on azithromycin, and after ten days of treatment they maintained normal bowel function and regained all their lost weight for months. DS: Something we have been hearing a lot about lately is gall bladder inflammation and bile duct obstructions. Is this becoming a common HIVassociated trouble? LB: Very common. This is usually a condition called acalculous cholecystitis, meaning an inflammation which is not �caused by gallstones. The cause could be any of a number of pathogens, like CMV, CTyptosporidiosis, or other parasites. But the drugs we give to treat those infections do not penetrate the gall bladder very well, making it sort of a reservoir of infection. The signs are abdominal pain, often connected with diarrhea. Since this tends to persist and not respond to antibiotics, the best treatment seems to be removal of the gall bladder. You can get along nicely without a gall bladder, and the surgery should improve both appetite and nutrient absorption. DS: Getting back to the empirical use of treatments, you have found IVIG (intravenous immune globulin) useful, haven’t you? LB: It can be very helpful, also very expensive. It’s valuable for treating the kind of recurring bacterial infections that a healthy immune system ordinarily handles, especially sinus infections. It is also a good complement to use with ganciclovir when treating CMV pneumonia or colitis. Adding it to therapy for retinitis does not help much, according to studies which have been completed. DS: Can you make immune globulin specific, engineer it to be concentrated in certain antibodies? LB: It’s not engineered so much as graded for counts of particular antibodies. I use Gammagard made by Baxter, because it has the highest concentration of anti-CMV antibodies. DS: Do you have any advice about nutritionhal supplements? LB: I have recommended a short list of supplements for several years, and have recently added NAC and coenzyme Q10 to that list. DS: Why has interest in coenzyme Q been revived recently? (Note: do not confuse coenzyme Q with compound Q). problems that fit someone’s solution. LB: It might be helpful for countering some of the heart muscle degeneration being reported now in connection with HIV infection. LB: Exactly right. And we need innovators. More AZT studies are not innovative. The non-innovalivc answers are not solutions. They are solutions in search of problems, as you said. And all the while researchers around die world traipse around their own little garden path, doing their own personal research. By contrast, we could harness that creative thinking, and integrate this research chaos into a bigger picture. One model I’ve worked with is the National Community Research Initiative, in Washington, D.C. We began by developing computer software, called CRIS, to let physicians keep up with each other’s experiences, to correlate all the raw data of our practices. We’ve developed a database that can work as a total clinical management system. We can directly download results of bloodwork from the laboratory by modem into the database. This technology could help to share statistics, to generate statistically valid correlations. In my office we will soon have a computer work station in each patient examination room, so we can have the patient’s history and treatment experiences and all lab work at our fingertips. DS: I saw one such report that alerted physicians to the possibility of HIV cardiac abnormalities, and that some symptoms casually attributed to lung involvement, like fatigue and shortness of breath, instead could be implicating the heart Research Politics DS: What are some of the politics affecting the clinical care picture today? LB: I see the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institues of Health as having a symbiotic relationship with the pharmaceutical industry. They are in a codependent relationship. People on both sides have their complaints, but they do not seriously analyze themselves. Congress plays along with the game, too, funding and regulating the relationship. And as in codependency, something like a disaster has to happen for a real change to occur. No one is presently in charge of an overall plan for AIDS. But you watch - five years from now, when straight teenagers are dropping like flies, then AIDS will become a national priority. Of course, we will probably have a new administration by then, too. Meanwhile, we need clinicians and researchers to talk to each other, to try to build solutions to the problems of HIV disease. Instead of obsessing on basic research, we must constructively analyze what the problems are, and start acting on priorities toward the solution. Plan the work and work the plan. No organization in the world is doing that now. DS: Perhaps we should aim for solutions that fit the problem, instead of DS: It would seem that physicians in different countries, using different therapies, could use the database to leam from each other. LB: Yes, this information is eminently exportable. Communication technology is an innovative, useful approach. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Belrose fonds Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource reACT-Believe Vol 4 Issue 4 - Fall 1991 Subject The topic of the resource Organizations Health and Medicine Description An account of the resource Newsletter of the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1991 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF